December 2017 • Estd. 1892 • Vol. 125 #4 • Published Monthly • www.ihstattler.com Ithaca High School, 1401 North Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 • FREE
DR. BROWN USES TWITTER TO GIVE VOICE TO IHS STUDENTS Page 4
Look for our literary issue! Our January issue will be a literary issue featuring the creative work of IHS students. Be sure to pick one up around the school.
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Editorial
HOW TO INCREASE SCHOOL SPIRIT AT IHS
ALL THE NEWS THAT’S FIT TO TATTLE
Staff 2017 – 2018 Editor-in-Chief
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hen most students think of Ithaca High School, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t abundant school spirit. In the past, school spirit has remained hidden until events like homecoming, when students participate in Spirit Week and celebrate their common identities as IHS students. School spirit is important in that it brings us together and emphasizes the fact that we all belong to the same community. The fun and exciting energy of spirit week and the pep rally should be replicated more times throughout the year, and students must be the driving force behind this change. A number of factors have led to the lack of school spirit at IHS. Students aren’t kept well informed about important things involving the school, including things like the scores of IHS varsity sports games and the achievements of clubs. Since students are kept out of the loop on certain events around the school, they aren’t able to cheer on and celebrate with their peers, and they miss out on an essential part of the high school experience. Thankfully, this is something that can be fixed. The Tattler wants to see this situation changed, and will expand coverage in the sports section, with sports scores becoming available at the end of each month on its website, ihstattler.com, beginning in February. However, this doesn’t solve the problematic lack of opportunities to show school-wide spirit, and The Tattler calls upon the IHS student government to create more spirit opportunities. Currently, certain groups within the school show spirit in many ways, allowing for peers to take notice of their unique expressions of team spirit. Sports teams are known to take part in spirit days of their own if they have an upcoming meet, match, or game. This expression of enthusiasm manifests itself in the form of student athletes roaming the halls dressed in leis, pajamas, beachy clothes, and almost anything else imaginable. The dedication they show is admirable, and their enthusiasm is contagious. IHS clubs should replicate these spirit days to extend this celebration of school spirit to a wider portion of the student body. However, this still doesn’t address the issue of a lack of school-wide spirit. To this end, school administrators have taken a creative approach, and its effects are showing. One step in the right direction is the recent organization of busses to ferry student to cheer on sports teams at sectional games, allowing students 2
Vaynu Kadiyali ’19
the chance to engage with school sports teams in a noticeable way. Additionally, the creation of the Captain’s Council, a seasonal group of team captains from ongoing sports of IHS, has resulted in students taking charge in creating a new sports motto for IHS. Additional opportunities for students who want to show their support but don’t have an outlet to do so should be provided by students and student government. Students who play sports shouldn’t be the only ones participating in school spirit. There is potential for the school to unite, and it could be in the form of something as simple and silly as a schoolwide pajama day. Small, spirit filled events could have a drastic impact on school spirit during the rest of the year. Similarly, class officers could organize class-wide spirit days, not uniting the whole school but still engaging large portions of the student body. Another potential measure to increase school spirit would be to follow Student Council’s suggestion of having a winter pep rally. This would be a way for school spirit to be expanded to more than just at the beginning of the year. Since this pep rally would take place in the middle of the school year, it would provide a good boost in student energy at a time when it is most needed. Students came up with this idea, and they could play a greater role in organizing it than they do for the fall rally. School spirit should play a much larger and yearround role in IHS. Substantial changes have been made this year to increase spirit, but the measures taken are not enough. In order to cultivate a sense of belonging and pride, students, and particularly IHS student government, should strive to build upon the spirit opportunities created by administrators.
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The Tattler is the monthly student-run newspaper of Ithaca High School. All currently-enrolled students at Ithaca High School are welcome to submit writing and photographs. As an open forum, The Tattler invites opinion submissions and letters to the editor from all community members. Email submissions to editor@ ihstattler.com or mail letters to:
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The Tattler 1401 North Cayuga Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Send submissions to be included in the February issue. The Tattler reserves the right to edit all submissions. All articles, columns, and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views of editorial staff. To read The Tattler online, visit our website at www.ihstattler.com.
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Editorial
WHY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION NEEDS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS
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n October 2017, students at IHS were shocked to hear rumors that PE classes would be included in the calculation of GPAs. Students were told that the Board of Education (BoE), the elected body of community members that establishes district policies, would vote on a measure that would collectively determine the inclusion of PE in GPA, a subject never before mentioned as being added to GPA. In contrast, the effort to add Fine Arts classes to GPA had been ongoing for months before the BoE’s vote, and had been initiated by the student body. The prospect of including a non-academic and often subjectively graded course such as PE was concerning to several students at IHS—it came as a relief to them that PE classes ultimately would not count towards GPA. Nonetheless, this event brought to light the alarming lack of communication between the student body and the BoE, and has highlighted the need for increased transparency about the decisions of the Board. Currently, the BoE has several methods of keeping the public in touch with their decisions. Monthly discussion meetings are open to the public, and all weekly meetings are broadcast on Spectrum’s public-access channel 16. Additionally, all video footage is archived on YouTube in full-length segments. These methods are supplemented by the BoE’s use of Boarddocs, an online system in which all district policies and meeting outlines are defined. However, it is clear that these methods fall short of facilitating the necessary transparency between the public—in particular the IHS student body—and the BoE. While the policy of allowing students to attend meetings is admirable, the live broadcasts and YouTube videos of meetings are far too long to be considered good methods of public communication. While they do serve the purpose of keeping public records of the happenings at board meetings, it shouldn’t be the case that students have to watch an hour and a half of grainy footage with mostly irrelevant content to find out about a key
decision regarding their academic futures. Unfortunately, the content posted on Boarddocs also follows this trend. Not only does the district website not have direct links to the most recent meeting agendas, meeting notes are also extremely minimal, highlighting the plan to run the meeting but not including notable comments or any presentation content. Boarddocs ultimately serves only as a meeting organization solution for the Board, and its functionality could be increased. For instance, the district had already made the final decisions about the inclusion of Fine Arts and the exclusion of PE in GPA, and a board member resolved the matter by simply answering the questions of the IHS Representatives to the Board. Nowhere on Boarddocs is there any place for informally mentioned content like the comment that answered this question. Until a school-wide email was sent in the final week of the first quarter, students would have had no way of finding out about the final decision unless they watched or attended the meeting. The simplest way to increase communication between the BoE and the IHS student body would be to find new methods of communication. Many other district officials are active on Twitter, and the BoE could consider using Twitter as a platform to highlight meaningful decisions made by the board and to remind followers about upcoming public sessions. The Board could also communicate with students effectively through utilizing Chromebooks and their Internet functionalities. Google Forms is one tool that school administrators and clubs have effectively used in the past. A survey conducted by The Tattler about students’ experiences with dress code enforcement received over 400 replies; similarly, the BoE could utilize this platform to gain valuable student input in making key decisions. In addition, the BoE could utilize email to better communicate about important decisions with the student body. The Board’s decision about the inclusion of fine arts in GPA was announced to students through a
mass email, and this method of communication was well-received by students and parents. The Board could continue this practice, though they would need to ensure that they only send very important information. The Board also needs to increase the role of student representatives if they want to be better connected with high schoolers. Currently, the representatives are only allotted a fixed amount of time, and they are expected to update the Board with updates from clubs, sports, and other student government bodies. “The board meetings are closed off and formal,” said Asha Duhan ’19, a Representative to the Board. “As a result, it’s hard to voice student opinion and it’s hard to understand. The reps don’t play as much of a role as they should.” The role of representatives should be extended to active participation in discussions pertaining to district policies that affect students, and if changes are made, then the relationship between the Board and the IHS student body can be redefined. “The job of the Representatives to the Board is to connect the student body to the BoE, though that information can be cursory since they’re not able to present for large amounts of time,” said former Representative to the Board Max Fink ’17. “Increasing the time that they’re allowed to speak in would make a positive difference.” The BoE Representatives’ news column in The Tattler is a much-needed step in the right direction, allowing students to get access to information about key aspects of board meetings, but they could do much more if their role were expanded. Recent decisions made by the BoE, including the decision to include Fine Arts in GPA, indicate that they are willing to take on controversial and important issues that pertain to the student body. However, students are disconnected from the decisions of the Board, and the BoE would benefit greatly from considering other platforms that allow for more condensed, easily accessible information than the barebones Boarddocs system currently in use. 3
News
DR. BROWN USES TWITTER TO GIVE VOICE TO IHS STUDENTS By Sveta Reddy
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n October 18, 2017, ICSD Superintendent Luvelle Brown announced that every Friday, he will be turning his Twitter account over to one student in the school district. Brown described the idea behind his decision: “Our school district’s mission statement is Engage, Educate, Empower. Empowering student voices is the most essential way to do our mission and achieve our district’s vision of 6000+ Thinkers.” This move is significant because students offer a unique perspective when it comes to improving the district, and it allows their opinions to be heard by Brown’s sizable Twitter following of over 3500. Making sure that students are able to play a strong role in decision-making not only allows students to feel as though they are directly involved, but also fosters selfgrowth and exposes educators and administrators to fresh points of view. Brown stated, “Since my arrival, I have learned most from our school district’s young people.” For this reason, the Twitter initiative was created to continue the ongoing conversation and feedback with students.
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I think it was a great idea for Dr. Brown to give kids an outlet on a platform like social media which we all are so used to. - Naseem Williams ’18
As of right now, Dr. Brown has limited the initiative to students who have served on the Student Superintendent Advisory Council. Naseem Williams ’18, one of the chosen few, said that, “it actually felt great to be able to reach adults of that high stature. Having the power to share my voice with those working in other school systems, I somewhat hoped that it would have an impact. . . . I think it was a great idea for Dr. Brown to give kids an outlet on a platform like social media which we all are so used to.” Williams was the second student who tweeted on Dr. Brown’s account. He used his opportunity to bring attention to issues that he cares about, such as diversity in the classroom and among school staff, that may be overlooked by teachers and students alike. Through tweeting ideas such as Williams’, people across the district open their eyes to issues that they had never even considered. Similarly, Myah Frostclapp ’18 utilized her time on Dr. Brown’s Twitter account by tweeting about her belief that there is insufficient support from the school during the college admissions process. She wrote, “Students need more support and direction for the college application process during class time! #MFThoughts” and “Future athletes interested in playing in college need more guidance from coaches and staff on the recruiting process! #MFThoughts.” These tweets were just two of many, but these simple sentences carry a lot of meaning. She was able to express these thoughts through Dr. Brown’s Twitter, and the magnification of such ideas is a crucial step in the path towards making a noticeable difference. Working with the Student Superintendent Advisory Council, Brown 4
has been impacted greatly; he believes that it is only reasonable to share with the rest of the world what students have been sharing with him over the years. Although Brown has only turned his account over to these select students, he plans to extend the initiative beyond the Council to other middle-school, high-school, and even elementary-school students. So far, the idea has received positive feedback. Buzzing within the school hallways, the initiative has been labeled as one that is unique and effective. Brown states, “I’ve been amazed by the response to this initiative locally, regionally, and nationally. For example, a large group of superintendents that were meeting recently in California, discussed this initiative at their annual conference, and they stated that it was one of the best examples of empowering student voices in the nation.” Although it is quite small now, it is possible that an initiative like this will grow into a widespread program across the region, and perhaps the nation.
UPDATE FROM REPS TO THE BOARD
MUSIC TO BECOME PART OF GPA By Asha Duhan and Meera Bai Singh
Over the past year, the students of IHS, led by the Student Council, have been working tirelessly to incorporate music classes into GPA. After considering students’ options and examining other school districts’ policies, the Board of Education (BoE) voted in favor of implementing music into GPA, with the upper levels (Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Chorale) counting for Honors credit in weighted GPA. This change will be effective starting the first quarter. The BoE decided that the rigor and time commitment required of students in music classes was worthy of receiving credit in GPA, and they considered the fact that many neighboring school districts include music in GPA. This decision was a long-term process that resulted in an outcome that the BoE considers an endorsement of the value of music in students’ academics and lives. While music will be added to GPA calculation, Physical Education (PE) classes will not be added into GPA during the 2017–18 school year. The PE Department has recently experienced a change to their curriculum and is currently working on fine-tuning and developing the new rigor of the curriculum. As students may have noticed, the PE Department is working on adding more assignments, and is placing more emphasis on students setting health goals to achieve by the end of the year. The Board found that while many other school districts include music, few of them include PE. The BoE will give the PE Department one more year to solidify its new standards, and will continue to consider the implementation of PE into GPA, possibly in the 2018–19 school year.
News
Elon Musk has stated that working on SpaceX is his top priority from now until 2022. IMAGE PROVIDED
MAKING LIFE MULTI-PLANETARY: AN UPDATE By Fiona Botz
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ounder and CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk continues to develop and invest in his many projects around the globe, including Tesla and SolarCity. However, he has clearly stated that working on SpaceX is his top priority from now until 2022, when the company’s biggest project ever is intended to succeed: making life multi-planetary. SpaceX was founded in March 2002. The company, a manufacturer of aerospace technology and space transport services, possesses myriad ambitious goals. Their most fascinating, relevant, and frankly shocking mission, however, is to bring human life to other planets. In Musk’s 2017 speech “Making Humans a Multi-Planetary Species,” he described the reasons why SpaceX is choosing Mars rather than other planets to civilize, as well as describing the details of the system architecture and the sources of funding for the project. Musk captivatingly introduced the speech, saying, “You want to wake up in the morning and think the future is going to be great—and that’s what being a spacefaring civilization is all about. It’s about believing in the future and thinking that the future will be better than the past. And I can’t think of anything more exciting than going out there and being among the stars.” In April of 2016, SpaceX initially announced their bold goal to land cargo missions on Mars by 2018, although that shows no signs of happening anytime soon. In September of 2017, Musk unveiled an updated vehicle design for what is now being called the BFR (Big Falcon Rocket). Despite the intention of the BFR to be used on Earth for long distance trips, the BFR is significant to the Mars trip because it can also be used for a voyage of that magnitude. He first addressed what was ambiguous in earlier statements by SpaceX: how they will pay for the BFR. Essentially, they want to have “one boosting ship that replaces Falcon Nine, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon” (the names of a spacecraft, a rocket, and another spacecraft, respectively). According to Musk, if they can do that, then all the resources that are currently being used used for Falcon Nine, Heavy,
and Dragon can be applied to the BFR system, saving considerable money. Perhaps most importantly, they want the spacecraft to be reusable to avoid the costs of building multiple models, each with a pricetag of several billion dollars. Musk stated the next two fundamental issues to creating a successful rocket are ensuring a propulsive landing and manufacturing a huge carbon-fiber tank that can hold cryogenic (helium-based cooling) liquid in order to create a lighter ship. SpaceX has been practicing “perfect propulsive landing” with Falcon Nine and they now have had sixteen successful landings in a row. Musk elaborated, describing that each landing has been done with a single engine, and that the BFR will have multi-engine capacity. Because SpaceX has had very high reliability with just a single engine, proven by the consecutive successful test landings of the Falcon Nine, Musk claimed the BFR will be reliable with its multiple engines. Furthermore, the ability for the BFR to hold vast amounts of cryogenic liquids means the rocket will be able to withstand extremely hot temperatures, and will thus be reusable. Musk explained how the Mars-Earth planetary synchronization needed to launch such a mission occurs only every two years, and how this limits the chance to fly to the red planet in the coming years. The 2024 goal is to have four ships: two cargo ships, and two crew ships, to bring the first people in history to Mars. These details are just a peek inside SpaceX’s intrepid plan to land humans on Mars by 2024, and at least to land two cargo ships by 2022. The two cargo missions are intended to confirm water resources and identify hazards. In addition, they will place power, mining, and life support infrastructure for future flights. Towards the end of his 2017 speech, Musk displayed a screen which stated that by 2022, cargo missions would reach Mars. He humorously said to the crowd: “That’s not a typo, although it is aspirational.” 5
News
REPUBLICANS’ TAX PLAN MAY COST US $2.2 TRILLION By Magdalena Smith
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n November 16, the House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, set to enact $1.5 trillion in tax cuts. The bill was approved two weeks after it was unveiled despite objections by Democrats and even some Republicans. In the Senate, at the time of this writing, Republicans are quickly working towards voting on their own tax plan, which, although similar, differs from that of the House in several core aspects. The House plan collapses the seven current federal income tax brackets to four: 12 percent, 25 percent, 35 percent, and 39.6 percent for millionaires. House Republicans claim that this decrease in the number of tax brackets contributes to their objective of simplifying tax code. Wealthy Americans will benefit from the implementation of the House plan, according to The Guardian. Most notably, the law would see massive changes to the estate tax, a law taxing the estates of individuals who leave a fortune of or greater than $5.49 million dollars to their heirs. The House bill doubles this minimum amount until 2024, allowing people to bequeath a fortune of up to $11 million without the heirs’ paying any taxes on the money, and then completely eliminates the estate tax over the next decade, at a projected cost of $151 billion in that time. Steven Mnuchin, Trump’s treasury secretary, stated that “obviously, the estate tax, I will concede, disproportionately helps rich people.” Mnuchin stated the estate tax is less of an economic issue and more of a philosophical issue. “People pay taxes once. Why should people have to pay taxes again when they die?” he told Politico in October. Legislative opposition from the left has strongly condemned the tax plan, arguing that the plan would exacerbate the income divide. “At a time of massive wealth and income inequality, Trump’s tax plan is morally repugnant and bad economic policy,” Senator Bernie Sand6
ers said in a statement. The House tax plan also eliminates the alternative minimum tax (AMT). The AMT was created in 1969 to prevent taxpayers from evading fair tax payment through various tax loopholes. According to Donald Trump’s leaked 2005 tax return documents, the AMT law was responsible for increasing the amount President Trump paid in federal taxes from $5.3 million to $36.5 million on an income of over $150 million. According to the Tax Policy Center, the AMT law mainly affects people with incomes of over $500,000. “[The tax plan is] going to be a job creator like we haven’t seen since Ronald Reagan,” President Trump stated. “It’s going to be a beautiful thing to watch. Companies will come. They will build. They will expand. New companies will start. And I look very, very much forward to doing it.” However, this stance is disputed. According to the Economic Policy Institute, economic growth over the past sixty years has, instead, been consistent with higher tax rates. Corporate taxes also create significant revenue for the federal government (nearly 10 percent of total federal revenue in 2012). After four days of debate, the Senate Finance Committee approved of a draft of their tax plan, 14 to 12. Analysts state that the Senate’s plan will significantly raise taxes on low-income Americans over the next several years. The proposed Senate bill also eliminates the individual mandate, a requirement for all American citizens to purchase health insurance in exchange for a tax rebate. Repealing this piece of legislation would leave 13 million people without health insurance, according to The Guardian. The repeal of the individual mandate will likely be accomplished through cuts to social security and Medicare, according to The Hill. The Republican tax bill will also likely trigger over $136 billion worth of cuts from mandatory
spending (legally mandated money for government-funded health-related programs) over the next year, including $25 billion from Medicare, the federal program providing people 65 and older with health insurance. These cuts would be triggered by the Pay As You Go or PAYGO Congressional law put into effect in 1990, which dictates that the White House Office of Management and Budget cut mandatory spending automatically if passed legislation exceeds the established budget by a certain amount. The Senate tax plan will also likely add $2.2 trillion to the United States’ already immense debt, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), resulting in the country’s debt exceeding the size of its economy by 2028. The House has projected that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will cost $1.41 trillion overall, but CRFB analysts state that the calculated cost does not account for $515 billion in interest costs and other “gimmicks,” which mainly derive from the sudden expiration dates of major parts of the bill. The gimmicks and furtively masked additional costs will also likely cost the federal government trillions of dollars in the long term. Including gimmicks, the cost of the bill adds to $1.9 trillion, according to CRFB, and the initial interest of $280 billion on the bill and interest costs of $25 billion for gimmicks would add to a total of $2.2 trillion. According to The Washington Post, a potential addition of $2.2 trillion to national debt would lead to higher trade deficits, and further reasons to offshore jobs and production. Once the House and Senate both pass a bill, representatives from each body will work on merging the legislation to resolve any differences between the proposals. Because this bill’s debate will occur on staunch partisan lines, any Republican tax bill that passes will likely do so with no Democratic votes.
Opinion
SPAIN’S REACTION TO CATALAN INDEPENDENCE IS A PROBLEM By Justin Heitzman
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magine a world in which, in one of the world’s most developed and socially liberal countries, a region’s declaration for independence is met with police brutality and complete removal of that region’s autonomy. It almost sounds like something you would see in a dystopian novel. Sadly, this is now the reality that we live in. After Catalonia’s successful independence referendum on October 1, the Spanish government chose to crack down on the region and sack its government. Even though it is true that the referendum was technically illegal, Spain’s response has shown that their government is more than willing to restrict the democratic ideas of the Catalan independence movement, which is incredibly concerning. This Catalan independence movement was by no means something new— Catalonia has a long history of a desire for independence, and is historically and culturally different from the rest of Spain. In part, this is why Spain’s reaction was so perplexing. Obviously, Spain has plenty of reasons to keep Catalonia, most notably including its very successful economy, and it is firmly illegal in the Spanish constitution for regions to declare independence. However, there is no justification for the use of armed forces just to keep polling stations closed. If Spain wanted to keep this matter under wraps, they should have simply disregarded the referendum results. For example, they could have made the case that voter turnout (at 43%) was too low, and thus the vote was illegitimate. This has been done before, and it certainly would have been a better move than forcible prevention of voting in the first place. It is fully understandable that inde-
pendence for Catalonia would come at a huge expense to Spain. But really, this issue is more than just a question of the effects that independence could have on finances and geopolitical relations. The issue goes all the way back to the fundamentals of democracy and how we view it. When we look back on history, we see independence movements as a kind of proof that democracy always corresponds with triumph. Nobody ever looks back and says that the American Revolution hurt us by allowing us to self-govern. Meanwhile, one can look back on the history of Spain itself and see that the current Spanish leadership isn’t in great company in its desire to silence Catalonia; the last administration to impose major restrictions on the region was that of the dictator Francisco Franco, who isn’t exactly revered in modern circles. This is not at all to say that Mariano Rajoy is the next Franco, but it is still important to note that the same kinds of policies we could potentially see go into effect in Spain are not rooted in democracy. Rather, they are rooted in dictatorship and repression. The use of police forces to restrict a democratic voting process and the sacking of the Catalan government have shown that the Spanish government is not afraid to use whatever means necessary to keep Catalonia a part of their nation. However, this same aggression will most likely energize more people to the cause of independence. Soon, we will see the final repercussions of these actions, in which an agitated and united region will confront a nation that has denied them of their rights. As long as Spain continues to repress the Catalan region, they cannot say that they truly support the democratic expression of all of their citizens.
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Opinion
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AGAINST ASIANS
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n high school, most students are motivated by the same goal: getting into college. High-school students today are forced to push themselves to unbelievable extremes as colleges and universities become more competitive than ever before. Thankfully, admission policies such as affirmative action and holistic application review benefit qualified students who may have been overlooked otherwise. However, certain groups, one being Asians-Americans, have been steeply obstructed from well-deserved opportunities as a result. Although affirmative action certainly combats many aspects of minority discrimination and disadvantages, other individuals are often left out of this equation and are thus held to an even higher standard than the rest of applicants. Affirmative action refers to policies favoring those who often are denied opportunities because of discrimination. In theory, this would serve to “level out the playing field.” However, in reality, its implementation is very complicated. Asian students make up enough of campus populations to be excluded from the category of “underrepresented minorities,” and are now even considered an “overrepresented minority.” This means that not only does affirmative action not apply to them, but already inequitable expectations are only raised. It’s necessary to point out that Asians also aren’t exactly the privileged minority people tend to think they are. In fact, the percentage of Asians living under poverty is greater than the national average, and poverty and dropout rates are especially higher than the national average for those of Southeast Asian heritage. Poverty rates in certain ethnic groups are over three times the national average and the dropout rates for Cambodians, Laotians, and Hmongs range from 35 to 40 percent. Another prominent point often used in favor of affirmative action is the strive for diversity. After all, in the era in which campuses were filled with only those who could afford to attend, minorities faced steep odds to get admission to the nation’s best schools. However, opponents of affirmative action argue that putting ethnicity over merit is a form of tokenism and flagrantly marginalizes deserving students of higher qualifications. Many studies (including those by educators sympathetic to affirmative action) show large gaps in the ACT and SAT scores of admitted students at top colleges and universities. Thomas J. Espenshade, a professor of sociology at Princeton University, provides one of the most cited studies in the argument of Asian discrimination in admissions. The investigation involved evaluating 9,000 students of ten highly selective colleges and universities around the nation. The results were organized into the following table, representing ACT and SAT “advantages and disadvantages” for various admitted groups. The “advantages” refer to the number of points added or subtracted from a student’s score to have the same chances of being admitted as someone who is white and of a middle-class socioeconomic status. The study shockingly found that an Asian student with an 8
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By Ann Wang
The extent of the disadvantages that Asian applicants face presently is excessive and prevents capable students from expanding their education.
ACT score of 34 has about the same odds of admission to a public institution as a white student with a score of 30.6. In another study conducted by Espenshade to predict acceptance rates of ethnicities if affirmative action in admissions were eliminated at these schools, it was found that Asian applicants would see an increase in admission from approximately 23.7 percent to 31.5 percent. Espenshade does admit that he did not have access to other noteworthy variables, such as recommendations and extracurricular activities. Although the difference in standards for Asian-American applicants has been a reality since before the 1990s, the issue received relatively little attention until 2016, when the case of Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin was brought to the Supreme Court. Abigail N. Fisher, a white female rejected by the university, claimed that the use of race as a determining factor in admissions at UT was in violation of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The school argued that the referenced aspect of their program was instituted to provide greater diversity on campus. The Supreme Court decided in favor of the university and ruled that universities can consider race among various other factors in their admissions decisions. While Fisher was white, this verdict upset many in defense of Asian students when more studies such as Espenshade’s were being brought to light. In August of 2017, Asian-American organizations at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who had been sending numerous complaints alleging racial injustice in admissions, filed lawsuits against their respective schools and are currently continuing to litigate them. The plaintiffs claim that the university perpetrates blatant discrimination by strictly limiting the number of Asians it will admit each year. The Fourteenth Amendment is also emphasized in this case, along with several federal civil rights laws. Without a doubt, affirmative action is a necessary policy for school campuses. With systematic oppression greatly hindering those of certain ethnic backgrounds, this program allows students to receive higher education despite underprivileged circumstances. Nonetheless, adjustments need to be made in its execution. Asians cannot be overlooked in these calculations. The extent of the disadvantages that Asian applicants face presently is excessive and prevents capable students from expanding their education. We need to re-evaluate the current use of affirmative action to make sure that Asian-Americans receive the same opportunities as the rest of the population.
Opinion
ROBERT MUELLER
AND THE END OF TRUMP By Ned Carlson
A
year ago, Donald Trump was elected the forty-fifth President of the United States. The result was a surprise to many, and emerged out of a frenzied campaign that was marked with deep distrust and bitter personal attacks. The fact that this was an unusual election was obvious to everyone. What has become increasingly clear since last fall is that the Russian government actively interfered in the electoral process in an attempt to tilt the outcome in the direction of its preferred candidate, Donald Trump. Moscow’s campaign was largely carried out through the manipulation of social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. On these platforms, the Russian government paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in ad campaigns to push people towards Trump and to create distrust of his opponent, Hillary Clinton. They also deployed innumerable bots and fake accounts that were designed to obscure the Russian presence in social media, while furthering the goal of swaying the election in favor of Trump. This fact should be deeply troubling to all Americans, as it is a form of foreign interference in our electoral process. What is potentially even more concerning is whether Trump, or at least those who worked for his campaign, colluded with Moscow in this effort. If so, then the implications for Trump and America are enormous—it could be grounds for the end of his presidency. Rumors of such a Trump-Moscow connection circulated even before he won the election. However, there was in the way of federal investigation into this issue until FBI Director James Comey began investigating the relationship between Trump and Russia. As his investigation continued, the President became more and more concerned about it. On multiple occasions, Trump apparently pressed Comey to tell him that he was “not under investigation.” He also demanded that the FBI Director declare his loyalty to the president. When he did not comply, Trump fired Comey, citing his poor handling of the release of Clinton’s emails and
associated information. However, he later publicly admitted that the firing was also related to “the Russia thing.” This appears to be a purposeful act of obstruction of justice. To many, this was very reminiscent of the Saturday Night Massacre during the Nixon administration, in which Attorney General Elliot Richardson and his Deputy William Ruckelshaus resigned rather than fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox, who was investigating Watergate. If Trump thought this would end his “Russia problem,” he was sadly mistaken. Following his firing of Comey, on May 17, 2017, former FBI director Robert Mueller was appointed to serve as a special counsel for the United States Department of Justice. Whereas only part of Comey’s job was investigating Trump and Russia, it was designated as Mueller’s sole job. He was tasked with the goal of determining the extent to which a foreign power, Russia, had interfered in the election, and to dig further into its relations with Trump and his team. Over the past year, Mueller has been gathering evidence and has also called for a Grand Jury, a special group of sixteen to twenty-three citizens selected to examine the validity of accusations in this case before they are heard in trial. The organization of this jury is very important because it means that Mueller feels there is a need for in-depth review, and is a clear precursor of the serious legal nature of future events to come. In October, Paul Manafort and Rick Gates (Trump’s longtime business associate), both key figures within Trump’s campaign, agreed to speak to the FBI after learning of their imminent arrest. They were indicted on twelve counts, most notable of which were money laundering, failure to register as foreign agents, procuring false statements, seven counts of false foreign banking or financial reporting, and conspiracy against the United States, according to the official indictment charges document. While neither were charged with collusion, these are still very serious charges which only
further thrust the Trump Administration into uncertainty. In addition, on the same day that the news broke about Manafort and Gates, it was also revealed that another former Trump campaign adviser named George Papadopoulos had been contacted by the Mueller probe. Papadopoulos had plead guilty to charges of lying to the FBI about contacts he had had with the Russians in 2016. After his arrest he has been supplying the Mueller investigation with information over the past several months. These are huge developments in the Mueller investigation. However, it is highly unlikely that his work is done. In fact, another major figure who is likely to be indicted is Michael Flynn, Trump’s previous National Security advisor for similar collusion related charges. Another who might also be indicted in the future is Jared Kushner. In other words, there are still a large number of people from within the President’s inner circle who are likely to face prosecution. The significance of what has already unfolded, and what is likely to occur in the coming months, cannot be overstated. The Trump administration’s actions are catching up to them, and they will be unable to avoid sustaining further damage. These indictments represent Mueller’s ruthlessness and objectivity in his approach to this investigation. As of now, these indictments signal a change in recent politics and further highlight the inability of the Trump administration to cover their tracks and deals with the Russians. Despite this, we do not know whether Mueller’s work will stop at those who work for the president or if it will extend to Trump himself. Mueller’s investigation will have large implications; at the very least, it will expose the extent to which the Russians interfered with American politics and manipulated the public, and could possibly result in an end to the Trump presidency. With such an in-depth collection of evidence, we should use this as an opportunity to make concrete policy changes to prevent similar events from impacting future elections. 9
Opinion
FROM THE ARCHIVES
EXCERPTS FROM THE TATTLER ISSUES OF YESTERYEAR June 14, 1918 “FOOD! FOOD!! FOOD!!!” This is the cry that comes from across the sea to America, the land of plenty. Poor bleeding Europe, suffering at the hands of the brutal and barbarous Hun, cries out in her anguish to wellfed America for whom she is sacrificing everything. Can we let the appeal go unheeded? No, a thousand times NO! We have sent thousands of young men to France to help fight for the cause of humanity, we have loaned billions of dollars to our Allies, but what a poor sacrifice is ours compared to theirs! [. . .] What have YOU done to supply food for our soldiers “Over There?” Have YOU planted a war-garden this year? Americans are urged to plant gardens as never before and every advantage is offered them, the greatest of which is the “daylight-saving” plan which enables them to work one hour later in the garden every day. No back-yard is too large or none too small but it could be used to raise food for the Allies. Perhaps you will not be able to raise much but every bit that you do raise will lessen the demand upon the market and thus huge quantities of food will be released for the use of our starving Allies. And furthermore, taking care of a garden is one of the most healthful exercises known. The first backache, the first blisters, and those tiredout muscles will soon develop into a strong, sturdy body with hard muscles and (this to the girls) will bring a healthy, rosy color to your face. Raising a garden will serve to enlighten some of your friends who think that potatoes grow on bushes or that cabbages grow on vines. [. . .] Above all, it will help to feed our gallant Allies, who have fought so bravely and have resisted the terrible onslaught of the Hun for the last four years. Our Soldiers will fight and WE shall raise gardens in order that “government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
10
THE GIRLS’ BIT
“
The girls’ bit in this big war is not a matter to be overlooked. In fact, there are so many different phases of this subject that here we can take up only one part, the cheering of all those concerned in any way in this great struggle for democracy. What would the home people do without the girls? In every way they are “brightening the corner where they are.” [. . .] Brothers, lovers, and sons have marched forth “to victory or death” with a vivid picture of their beloved waving them a loving yet courageous farewell. Neither has this love and devotion failed them when they arrived in the trenches… Put yourself in their places. If you were standing ankle deep in the mud and wet of the trenches wouldn’t your courage and ambition be restored if you received a cheerful and loving letter from home telling of those unimportant family occurrences, for of which, nevertheless, you yearn? [. . .] Wouldn’t you be urged onward, when, looking at your knitted sweater, helmet, or socks, you know that into those stitches are woven the prayers and best wishes of all American women and girls? [. . .] When our boys come back weary yet victorious they will say, “If it hadn’t been for the support, loyalty, and never-failing love of the girls at home we never could have withstood the conflict and come through so victorious.” PROF. ALLEN SPEAKS ON “BIRDS” [. . .] Professor Allen then went on to explain how pressing was the need of food at this critical period in our history. . . . As in the other branches of our war program, gardening is hindered by “Kaiser potato bugs, Hun grasshoppers, and German army-worms.” To counteract this destruction, God Himself has enlisted on the side of the Allies in providing birds to destroy this evil. For this reason, if for no other, we should do all in or power to protect the birds and encourage their presence by providing food for them in the winter and shelters for them in the summer. [. . .]
“
By Thea Clarkberg
This is the kind of patriotism that will bring the Kaiser to his knees and make him acknowledge that democracy shall rule the world.
CIVIL WAR VETERANS SPEAK
Exercises in Honor of Memorial Day
[. . .] He then went on to tell of his experiences in the Civil War which began when he enlisted at the age of 16. He was in Grant’s WIlderness campaign and told many humorous as well as tragic incidents of that battle. Mr. LaBarre then spoke of the difference between the characters of the enemy in 1860 and now. The Southerners fought in open battle and as brave men should fight, while the Germans of today attack us while we sleep in the most treacherous and underhanded way possible. [. . .] Comrade Hunt then spoke and told of the fact that there were more than 89,000 boys under 16 years of age in the armies that took part in the Civil War and that there were actually twelve boys in his company under 10 years of age! This is the kind of patriotism that will bring the Kaiser to his knees and make him acknowledge that democracy shall rule the world. He showed some trophies of the Civil War, including a heavy musket and a wicked looking sword. DEUTSCHER VEREIN The regular meeting of the Deutscher Verein [German Club] was held May 1 in room 233. The president has left school on Farm Credit. His resignation was refused, and a leave of absence granted him. . . . The Deutscher Verein is planning to give a very pleasing program in the Assembly Hall, 3rd period, May 15, the main features being the dances of the Allied nations, and harp solo, accompanied by the violin.
Features
IMAGE PROVIDED
An advertisement in the June 1918 issue of The Tattler.
THE ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS By Alexander Yoo
IMAGE PROVIDED
1929–30 IHS Basketball team. Image from the March 1930 issue.
Read more online at https://tattlerarchive.wordpress.com/
If you were a Roman on December 25, 200 AD, you wouldn’t be celebrating Christmas, but rather the Day of the Birth of the Unconquered Sun. In 221 AD, the Western Christian Church defined the day of the birth of Christ to be the twenty-fifth of December, choosing this date due to its proximity to other end-of-year celebrations such as Hanukkah. Initially, Christmas was not a very popular holiday, but it slowly gained traction and has boomed in the modern era. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, but this holiday has been repeatedly altered to match with the times, and relics of these celebrations still exist in Christmas’ current practice. For example, during the High Middle Ages in Europe, great feasts were held on Christmas for hundreds of nobles. Many families today mimic this custom with a slightly less grand Christmas feast. Similarly, the importance of present-gifting and togetherness were practices established in Europe and the Americas in the 1800s, and still continue today. However, the current commercial nature of Christmas was established only in the past century. Everywhere you see stores advertising for Christmas, and according to the National Retail Foundation, from Thanksgiving to the holiday season Americans purchase a whopping $680 billion worth of presents. For this reason, for many companies, the holiday is one of their main sources of revenue. In fact, Christmas itself has become an economy, with companies that manufacture Christmas cards, Christmas trees and ornaments. Thanks to this commercialization and the gradual diminishment of the religious connotations of the holiday, Christmas has been altered into something that many people celebrate regardless of its religious roots. According to a 2013 Pew Research Center survey, 92 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas, meaning that many religious minorities have adopted the tradition as an American rather than a Christian holiday. Christmas has become a global phenomenon and is celebrated by all kinds of people, religiously or secularly. For some, it may mean spending time with family, and for others, it may have strong religious connotations. Christmas has branched off from just a religious holiday into something special and unique for each person who celebrates it.
Note: The current Tattler does not endorse the opinions published in historical Tattlers. 11
Promoting Discussion of Global Issues Through Art: E x a m p l e s o f v i s u a l s o c i a l a n d p o l i t i c a l c o m m e n ta r y t h r o u g h o u t h i s t o r y By Joseph Yoon Introduction In the midst of global tensions and social issues, visual artists often use their works to express dissent or to promote their opinions on solutions to these problems. Although visual art is often exclusively associated with either the decoration or preservation of historical events, it can also bring evocative messages to the masses and build awareness to discuss solutions to flaws in society. This form of visual art, which encompasses protest art and editorial cartoons, has been present throughout centuries of art history, and will expand due to the increase in global networking through the internet and social media. Religion One historical use of art has been in regards to religion. The Protestant Reformation’s initial expansion is largely attributed to the German theologian Martin Luther’s frustration with the Catholic Church. One of his main concerns with the Catholic Church expressed in his Ninety-five Theses was its questionable religious officials such as Johann Tetzel, a priest who sold expensive indulgences in the German states. Luther believed in sola fide, the emphasis of salvation being achieved by faith alone. In 1521, after the Diet of Worms, Luther expressed his anti-papist sentiment by creating a pamphlet called Passional Christi und Antichristi with Lucas Cranach the Elder as the illustrator of the many artworks. These illustrations were one of the first examples of a widespread distribution of political cartoons. Assisted by the relatively new invention of the printing press, the ideals of the Lutheran Reformation proliferated and gained influence in Europe. A Page from Passional Christi und Antichristi (1521)
Trade and Taxation During the eighteenth century, as trade within Europe developed significantly, questions of policies on trade and taxation became global issues. One prominent example was England in the 1750s, when the issue of the popularity of gin over beer became urgent. Beer, which was originally the most popular alcoholic drink in England, was
replaced by gin when it was imported from the Netherlands in the late-17th century, decreasing its price. This was due to the decrease in the license fees and taxes for the retail of gin. Many believed that gin consumption resulted in violence, crime, and laziness, which led to the support of the Sale of Spirits Act, also known as the Gin Act of 1751. This act would limit the sales of spirits by preventing the sales of gin to unlicensed merchants and raise the fees for licensed merchants. One supporter of the Gin Act was William Hogarth, an English artist and satirist who satirized English society and morals during the period. To criticize the effects of gin on English society, Hogarth drew Beer Street and Gin Lane. In these prints, he contrasted the chaotic effects of gin in one location to the thriving and lively environment surrounding the native beer in another. Representing this comparison as art made the commentary of the issue more accessible to the public.
Guernica (1937)
LGBT Rights Although the advocation of LGBT rights existed centuries before in limited ways, the late-20th century marked the beginning of a widespread LGBT movement as bisexual and transgender communities gained support. One proponent of this movement was Keith Haring, an American artist, who used his art to support homosexuality. Haring created several murals such as Once Upon a Time, an artwork in a bathroom in New York City. Haring also drew an untitled piece in 1982, in which a heart was centered between two men. Haring’s rise in popularity helped spread his belief in supporting LGBT rights. Untitled (1982)
War
Beer Street and Gin Lane (1751)
As global armed conflicts became more common and destructive, anti-war sentiments gained popularity. After World War I began in 1914, people realized that warfare changed into total war: the devotion of unrestricted weapons and resources for warfare. An art movement called Dadaism surfaced during this period, which rejected logic and reason, expressing the chaotic nature of 20th century war. A famous dadaist painting titled Cut with the Dada Kitchen Knife through the Last Weimar Beer-Belly Cultural Epoch in Germany by German artist Hannah Höch features the destruction of humanity due to the brutalizing effects of violence and war. Another example of anti-war art is Pablo Picasso’s Guernica. Using cubism to express the multifaceted aspects of war, Picasso depicted the emotions associated with the bombing of Guernica by the Nazis during the Spanish Civil War (193639). The powerful expression of trauma, suffering, and loss clearly showed Picasso’s intention of criticizing war. This painting was displayed at the 1937 Paris International Exhibition, which helped disseminate the ideas of anti-war.
Political Reform Artists also voiced their opinions about political reform in the late-20th and 21st centuries. For example, because the people of Hong Kong were restricted by the control of China, a movement of pro-democracy developed in 2014, widely known as the Umbrella Movement. Umbrellas were used as passive resistance to the pepper spray used by the Hong Kong Police. Their belief of political freedom sparked several art works and installations, such as The Umbrella Man, a wooden statue holding a yellow umbrella built by a college graduate nicknamed “Milk”. There were several other umbrella installations, many of which consisted of structures made with umbrellas. This massive demand for democracy caught global attention due to its unique works of art.
The Umbrella Man (2014)
Examples of
student artists discussing Global Issues Nationalistic Apathy By Leo Jung
Apathy towards other nations as the result of nationalism, called nationalistic apathy, is a global issue that directly affects all of us. Many countries have surpluses of resources that can be shared with other less-fortunate nations. National boundaries and xenophobia cause people to create prejudices against others. This results in discouragement of our willingness to help people and countries in need of food, medicine, clothing, etc. I chose to voice this issue (even if its resolution may seem superficial to many), because the human race cannot fight disease, poverty, hunger, and famine without pooling together its resources and efforts. National divisions and the “us versus them” mentality we instill into people does not help the human race move forward into solving global issues, and this to me appears to be of great detriment to society.
America Backsliding By Ned Carlson
This image is meant to represent what I see as the downward spiral within American society. We as a country appear to be backsliding in so many ways. This is apparent in the rise of the alt-right and White Supremacy movements (partially due to President Donald Trump’s endorsement of such movements), the prevalence of racism, the rise of blatant xenophobia and Islamophobia, and the corruption of our political system. This trend is all the more alarming as, until recently, it appeared that America was moving in a progressive direction. Under President Obama it seemed as if everyone was abiding by the norms of helping others, and working to establish a free, safe, society. The country might not have been perfect, but at least we had moved forward on issues like health care and restoring economic stability. Now, to me, it feels like all of that progress has vanished. Trump and his staff have added fuel to the fire of division and controversy in America with inflammatory sexist, racist, and xenophobic remarks, as well as actual harmful obstructionist policy making. This was on display in their many attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord. It is also apparent in the President’s contempt for freedom of the press, his alleged collusion with Russia, and his lack of moral leadership for this country. Many Americans seem like they are no longer confident of our place in the world and society. As a result, many turn to the backwards rhetoric of individuals who have a flawed view of America and its legacy. This all constitutes a period of American decline, or backsliding. However, hopefully, this will only be a temporary trend as there are still many good people living in this country. We just need these people to speak up more, and act to defend America against the current rising tide of hate promoted by President Trump. As Charlie Chaplin said in his Great Dictator Speech, “The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people.” To view all images in higher resolution, visit www.ihstattler.com
Features
RESTAURANT REVIEW
TAMARIND By Ryan Cunningham
IMAGES PROVIDED
W
hen we first pulled up to Tamarind, located on Meadow Street, I didn’t know what to expect. The small green cinderblock building surrounded on all sides by a parking lot did not match my expectation that Tamarind would be a gaudy restaurant with Thai decorations all over its exterior. However, entering through the two glass doors and leaving the busy street behind, I found myself in a pleasing environment. I immediately took note of the cozy and comfortable atmosphere of the restaurant, augmented by the small plants and paintings that were placed throughout the clean, well-lit facility. We were met by a server who took us to our seats and presented us with the restaurant’s menu. I found the employees to be respectful, and our waitress was warm and friendly. Having been to Thailand and eaten at Thai restaurants numerous times, Tamarind seemed to have everything that one would expect from a Thai restaurant.. Some of the main courses on the menu included pad see ew, pad kee mao (drunken noodles), a variety of curries, and, of course, the classic peanut and noodle dish, pad Thai. Looking at the menu, I also noticed that Tamarind had a number of choices for meats to add to a dish, including pork, beef, and for vegetarians or vegans, tofu. For appetizers, we selected spring rolls and tod mun (fried fish cakes), and for entrees, we ordered Thai fried rice, pad kee mao, and pad see ew. When the main dishes arrived, I didn’t hesitate to start eating. Of the food that I tried, some of my favorites included the pad see ew and the pad kee mao. The pad see ew noodles had the signature semi-sweet sauce 14
Tamarind, located on Meadow Street, has a cozy and pleasant interior.
on them. Although this soy-based sauce was sweet, it wasn’t excessively so; I felt that Tamarind struck a pretty good balance with an often overpowering dish. The pad kee mao was rather spicy, which we had requested. In my opinion, the spice added to the flavor of the dish and made it tastier. However, for those with a lower spice tolerance, you may want to be careful in how spicy you ask for the food to be, particularly the pad kee mao. If you can handle it, I would definitely recommend cranking the spice level up a notch as this dish is meant to be eaten spicy. The Thai fried rice was pretty good; it was rather dry, but I honestly prefer it that way. The pork was tender and didn’t have much gristle at all. There were also a few decorative tomatoes lying about in the Thai Fried Rice. For dessert, we ordered mango with sticky rice. It was so delicious that it should be illegal. The sticky rice was chewy and was glazed with a sweet custard-like sauce. The mango was perfectly ripe and soft. I was quite impressed by Tamarind. Their food was flavorful and authentic for a Thai restaurant in the United States, and I appreciated the interior design of Tamarind and the aura it created. Luckily, there was a spice spectrum to choose from, so people can cater to their own desires. Tamarind is also a good choice for vegetarians or vegans, as one can substitute meat with tofu. Next time you roll by that green building, make sure not to judge it by its cover and, instead, consider heading in!
Features
With its new teen center, the public library is a great place for IHS students to go when the school library is closed. IMAGE PROVIDED
NEW TEEN CENTER OPENS AT TOMPKINS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY By Anna Westwig
O
n Friday, October 13, the Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL) unveiled its brand new teen center. After having been delayed twice, the release party was held from 5 to 7 pm with little advertisement. Although the event was not a hit, doubling as a retirement party for the library’s former director and only attracting teens from a reading group held at the same time, the library’s renovations are a major improvement for young adults. Unlike its previous home in the back walls of the junior section, the large and open space of the teen center—formerly the adult fiction section of the library—is a separate and distinct area. Fittingly, teens on the junior library council have chosen most of the design aspects for this new center, which can be seen in the electric turquoise “feature walls” and the vibrant carpet on the floor. From the bottom to the top, the long-awaited teen center is bigger, brighter, and better. In addition, technology has been incorporated in the form of four new computers that the TCPL website claims are “loaded with software to help you with your homework assignments.” The Young Adult books’ new home comes with choice book selections from librarians on the shelf end caps. Specially curated lists suggest favorite titles of the librarians and titles appropriate for each grade. As the opening of the new center coincided with the month of October, a section was decorated accordingly with a Halloween theme. Seasonally appropriate books have also been selected and placed on display on small shelves, much like the junior sections display for children’s books. Behind the shelves is a small graphic fiction section and further back, a
wide-open space filled with chairs and tables. Rather than the traditional library rule of silence, talking is encouraged and the space was designed so that teens can “hang out, mess around, and geek out.” Unconventional “spinny seats” ordered online by the TCPL’s teen librarian of two years, Regina DeMauro, dot the open space. Her reasoning for these fun seats is that forcibly moving the static furniture does more damage than furniture that is meant to be moved. From the teens seen spinning wildly across the room, they appear to be a big hit. Several booths line one of the walls where teens chat and complete homework. Each booth is equipped with a wall-mounted large flat-screen television and outlets in the center of the tabletop. A small rolling shelf sits in the back left corner of the room chock-full of board games. The space encourages group meetings with rolling white boards made available to teens; DeMauro’s office is in the back where she is ready to help with any problem you may have or just to chat for a few minutes. The library’s new teen center caters spectacularly to its teen demographic. The TCPL has rapidly expanded its teen book selections and features many new releases chosen by librarians. The teen center is both cozy and open, and provides quiet study nooks and expansive spaces for collaborating on group projects. Open until 8 pm Monday through Thursday, until 6 pm on Friday, and until 5 pm on weekends, the public library is a great place for IHS students to go when the school library is closed. The teen center is no longer a home just for bookworms, but for anyone who is looking for a place to study, play games, or hang out and socialize. 15
Features
CLUB FEATURE
TIDDLYWINKS CLUB By Leland Xu To me, many clubs at IHS fall under two unfortunate categories. Either they are seen as overly pretentious, due to their academic subject matters or the over-enthusiastic attitudes of their dedicated members; or the club is not expected to be taken seriously due to either its unprofessional environment or unorganized structure. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that one club, the Tiddlywinks Club, possesses none of these flaws. The club focuses, of course, on the 129-year-old game of Tiddlywinks, where two teams of two players take turns attempting to shoot discs of different colors and sizes (“winks”) into a pot, using nothing but a piece of plastic (the “squidger”). Along with the addition of the “squop” mechanic (where a player is allowed to prevent their opponent from moving a wink as long as they have their own wink on top), Tiddlywinks is a game that requires strategy, tactical positioning, and a foresightful game plan. It can be played both casually or competitively, in that both can be played easily with friends for fun, or with rivals for more serious reasons. Overall, it is a game that is truly “easy to learn, but hard to master.” Supervising the small group of Tiddlywinks players is Mr. Drix in room H213, dubbed “the foster father of North American Tiddlywinks.” After starting a club at Cornell over fifty years ago, Drix still passes his knowledge to students in the forms of advice and instructions. His style of teaching allows for the inexperienced player to get a grasp of how the game should be played optimally and efficiently. When I first heard about Tiddlywinks Club from a friend and member, I thought it was a ridiculous child’s game with an equally ridiculous name. However, when I personally attended a session, I was blown away by how much skill was required in order to even get at least a single wink in the pot. I had growing respect for the game and the dedicated members of the club; soon, that respect turned into an interest and desire to get good at this fascinating game by overcoming the steep initial learning curve. Tiddlywinks Club is where one should go to experience the satisfying feeling of accomplishment and to test one’s coordinative and strategic abilities, either competitively or casually.
16
MEET THE STAFF
MS. SGRECCI By Thea Clarkberg
O
ur school community is more than just teachers and students. There are hundreds of staff working to make the ICSD community function every day. Hopefully you’ve stopped to say “Hi” to the people in the office, to the custodians, or to the bus drivers. Have you ever stayed long enough to learn more about them, though? Find out what you’re missing in “Meet the Staff.” Thea Clarkberg ’18: What is your job description? Marilyn Sgrecci: First of all, I started out working in the Attendance Office for four years before moving to the Guidance Office (now called Student Services). It’s hard to believe I’m in my twentieth year at Ithaca High School! My primary job is to schedule all appointments for the school counselors. Also, if anyone has a question about anything, I want to be the “go-to” person, whether it’s on the phone or somebody walking in. If I don’t know the answer, I can direct you to someone who does. I’m also responsible for sending out robo calls and robo emails. I send out homework requests to teachers for students that are out for an extended period of time. Again, a lot of it is point-of-information. If someone comes in who is distressed or needs assistance, I try to get somebody quickly, whether it’s a school counselor or a social worker. TC: What is your favorite part of the job? MS: I love the student contact. I love my office location because I have this nice big window and I can see the hallway. The disadvantage to students is I can see if they’re not in class. I can quickly go into School Tool, and look, “Where are they supposed to be?” I think that’s where my history of working in the Attendance Office comes in. It’s hard to stay away from keeping track of the students and where they’re supposed to be. I try to keep the door open, so there’s a nice flow… But the best part of it is the interaction with the students. It just keeps your mind active. Also, it’s great having teachers and other staff members coming into and out of my office. TC: What is your biggest challenge in this job? MS: The biggest challenge is trying to schedule 1,000 students for their annual reviews every year. I schedule in these blocks of time for the counselors to meet with their students for at least 20 minutes. This means figuring out times for about 1,000 students, but you have to do it. It’s crazy. I start working on the scheduling notebook as soon as the counselors say they want to start because it takes forever. The most frustrating part is when the kids don’t come, because then you reschedule, and you reschedule, and you reschedule. And the number of passes I write is huge.The scheduling season . . . it’s intense. It goes from January to April and it’s nonstop. You’re constantly writing passes and rewriting passes. It’s not frustrating, but it’s intense. TC: What is one thing students could do to make your life easier? MS: Come in to appointments. Be respectful. Be where you should be. Go to your classes and be on time. It’s frustrating every once in awhile to see the same students skipping classes. TC: What are your hobbies outside of work? MS: I do a lot of lawn mowing because we have a large property. I like being outdoors when I can. We have a family farm that’s been in our family for a long time (since the early 1950’s). My father is still alive and lives on the farm, which is a blessing for all of us. My son and daughterin-law have chickens and a dog. When they’re away, we’re on “chicken and dog duty” which is always interesting. A small part of the land is rented out for crops, and keeping all the barns in good condition is a full-time job. There’s nothing better than growing up on a farm. Even though I was an only child, it was still fun. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Not to embarrass myself, but I was the Tompkins County Dairy Princess! I was an IHS graduate, actually, so this school is so familiar to me. Nothing much has changed except the addition of the new parts. The core of the school is still the same. And when I was here there were only three grades: 10, 11, and 12. I hope we can focus on keeping Ithaca High School a very safe place for our students and staff.
Arts
ART FOR HUMANITY: TOMPKINS COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS DEPARTMENT ART COMPETITION By Chloe Moore
T
his November, artists from around Tompkins County had the opportunity to enter their artwork in a competition held by the Tompkins County Department of Human Rights. The Department focuses on “different activities and contests to involve the youth of the county in issues impacting human rights,” according to Jonathan Wood, a county lawyer and the current head of the Department. He explained that this competition “continues that tradition.” The competition was open to all students from grades 6 through 12, with various criteria for each level. The deadline for submissions was November 24, and judging takes place in December. The theme of the competition was the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which, under Article II, serves to protect humans “without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political,
IMAGES FROM TOMPKINSCOUNTYNY.GOV
jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non–self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.” Other articles in the Declaration discuss slavery, legal protection, and freedom of thought, religion, speech, and expression. The purpose of the competition is to include young people in the political discussion. Wood believes that it is important for school children to join in the discussion of local, national and global issues, because students are the ones inheriting the keys to the world. He said, “Human rights should transcend politics . . . all people should have basic human rights that apply regardless of the political system.” The entries ranged from visual art to short films and poetry. The winning entries will be displayed at the ceremony and published on the Department’s website, http://tompkinscountyny.gov/humanrights.
Above: “Article Fourteen,” by Hanna Hertzler of Charles O. Dickerson High School, won first place in the visual art contest for grades 9–12 in 2016. Right: “Article #19,” by Emily Winans and Mateo Varano of South Hill Elementary School, won first place in the visual art contest for grades K–2 in 2016.
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Arts
The lovable cast of the Netflix original series Stranger Things is one of the reasons that it is so popular. IMAGE PROVIDED
THE TRUTH BEHIND NETFLIX’S TREMENDOUS POPULARITY By Joshua “J.T.” Stone
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ime and again, people fall in love with a television show because of its likable characters, compelling plot, or its overall ability to serve as an escape from reality in their day. Popular shows may also have an immense impact on the general audience by illustrating an important theme in society or simply being the coolest new TV show on the mustwatch list. For the past several years, Netflix has dominated the world of video streaming media by creating some of the most emotionally charged, outstandingly controversial, and above all, adventurously captivating hit series of our generation. Netflix’s success comes from beating out the competition of other television streaming services by coming up with original series that they become the most publicized shows among worldwide viewers. One key example of the entertainment company standing out from its competitors is the Netflix original series Stranger Things, which premiered in 2016. Set in Hawkins, Indiana, this thrilling series captures the distinct emotions that a mother whose youngest child was stolen by an unexplainable force would feel. This, along with the addition of many more inner plotlines to the show’s story, created a spectacle that took the world by storm. The reason for Stranger Things’ overwhelming success, is that the show takes basic human 18
emotions and instincts ranging from love to protection, and builds a complex story based on these emotions. Another cause for the show’s immense popularity is its extremely lovable cast. In a recent interview with Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon, the comedian went as far as to deem the kids of Stranger Things the best cast of any series currently on television. Stranger Things is an excellent representation of why Netflix is dominating the streaming and television scenes—their shows consistently showcase outstandingly emotional acting and uniquely entertaining plots, and they are sure to leave viewers addicted and wanting more. Aside from producing captivating and endearing original series, Netflix is also known for some of its controversial and more disturbing shows. One of these hit shows is the drama series 13 Reasons Why, which describes the complex story behind why high school student Hannah Baker decides to take her own life. The series’ first season goes into depth about the personal life of Hannah, including her exploited love life and sexual relationships. 13 Reasons Why has received a wave a backlash from parents and general audiences alike due to a supposedly inaccurate representation of how a school can help a struggling student when it comes to sexual assault. Whether or not one believes that 13 Reasons Why is an accurate representation of teen suicide, it cannot be argued that the
show’s controversy contributed significantly to its success. Netflix was able to capitalize upon the media attention that the show received. The ability to stir controversy and cross certain lines has contributed to their recent success. As a result of their highly popular shows, Netflix has far exceeded its competition of other video streaming media organizations. According to a 2014 report by Nielsen, roughly 36 percent of households in the United States have a Netflix subscription, whereas only 13 percent have Amazon Prime and 6.5 percent have Hulu. Even though video streaming services such as Amazon Prime have approximately 7,000 more titles to choose from, Netflix’s originals have had worldwide recognition, either as sensational or controversial, creating more interested in buying a subscription from Netflix. Looking beyond their differences in plot and content, it’s clear that all of Netflix’s hit shows do have certain characteristics in common— almost like a formula for success. Netflix has grown exponentially in popularity these last couple of years because of its array of addicting original series’ with superb acting and compelling plotlines. So, next time you find yourself binge-watching a show on Netflix, actually think about what is convincing you to complete one entire season all in one sitting.
Arts
MOVIE REVIEW
HUMAN FLOW By Chloe Moore
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hinese artist and filmmaker Ai Weiwei released the film Human Flow on October 13. With cinematography by Christopher Doyle and a soundtrack by Karsten Fundal, this documentary explores the refugee crisis across many countries and borders, which has been called the greatest instance of human displacement since World War II. The film’s greatest strength is its portrayal of refugees as everyday people trying to find safety for themselves and their families, rather than “terrorists” or “job-stealers,” as some would argue. Through intimate and often lingering footage, Human Flow depicts refugees as individuals facing extreme hardship, rather than as a horde to be feared and excluded. Human Flow shows refugees fleeing conditions of war and famine, climate change, and oppressive governments across the borders between 23 countries. Shot over the course of one year, Ai includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, France, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, and Turkey, among other countries. His footage is simultaneously personal and grandiose, juxtaposing portraits with aerial footage to portray the magnitude of this crisis. He also shows interpersonal relationships in refugee camps despite cultural divides and harsh conditions. Ai utilizes multiple techniques in his film. He alternates between slow, bird’s-eye zooms of crowds of people and sprawling refugee camps and closeups of people shot from the hip using a handheld camera or his iPhone. Purely landscape shots are minimal, and physical places serve more as backdrops of human suffering. With an individual and personal approach, he also appears in person, cutting people’s hair, exchanging passports, and interviewing individuals, ranging from world leaders, volunteers, and refugees. The film is not driven by characters, and has no plot; rather, it takes on the great task of showing the scale of the refugee crisis. Ai accomplishes this through his ability to showcase multiple countries and various issues. Text appears on the screen as the film transitions between countries to provide brief statistics about the country and its specific refugee crisis. The sparse text serves as the only real “narration” of the film. While the ability of a director to create a successful film without narration is certainly impressive, more location-specific information would have helped break up a visually impressive but slightly unengaging film. With a running time of about 2.5 hours, Human Flow is certainly long, and Ai seems unwilling to let go of any of his footage. The simplicity of the soundtrack, while in some ways effective, also adds to the drawn-out feeling of the film. It seemed as though not all of the shots were crucial to the film. The editing process would have benefitted from more cropping of footage. However, the overall effect of the film is both illuminating and haunting. The often harsh lighting and the inclusion of the sounds of humans in despair, as well as the wide variety of filming techniques, certainly provide a better look at the global refugee crisis. The film is undeniably important in bringing to light the fact that the refugee crisis is global, not just in Syria, on which mainstream media often focuses. The film spends a disproportionately short time on the Mexico-US border, but it generally provides an impressive overall view of the scale of the crisis, and the devastating personal effects it has on individuals. Ai has created an impressive documentary, and although it is quite long, it is a film worth watching, from both an artistic and humanitarian standpoint.
HOLIDAY SEASON PLAYLIST By Justin Heitzman “‘Zat You, Santa Claus?”: Louis Armstrong “‘Zat You, Santa Claus” is a bit ominous for a Christmas song; the theme of the lyrics is that Armstrong is being stalked by some kind of monster or serial killer. However, this tune is in no way lacking in big-band flair. Louis Armstrong’s signature “growl” is very prevalent, and the band behind him compliments it perfectly with its interjections. Even if you don’t like the music, you should at least listen to the lyrics, because you might get a good laugh or two. “Sleigh Ride”: Boston Pops Orchestra “Sleigh Ride” is one of those songs that you usually hear with lyrics. Personally, though, I prefer the instrumental version best performed by the acclaimed Boston Pops Orchestra. Their most prominent recording of the piece was conducted by none other than John Williams. The whimsical strings and woodwinds contrast perfectly with jazzy brass instruments, making for a great holiday tune that always leaves me with a smile. “Theme from ‘Elf’”: John Debney It’s relatively rare that a soundtrack from a movie will really stick with you. Elf, as I’m sure we can all agree, is by far the best Christmas movie ever. This is in part because of its soundtrack. Elf is one of those rare movies where both the taken and original segments of the soundtrack are fantastic, but I personally feel that the main original theme is what really shines. In particular, I enjoy how composer John Debney puts the same theme in different settings, spaced out throughout the movie. “Greensleeves”: Alfred Reed The melody of “Greensleeves” should be immediately recognizable to anyone who has ever been to a Christmas mass; the carol “What Child is This” is set to the same tune. “Greensleeves” is an English folk song thought to originate from the Elizabethan era, and in Alfred Reed’s arrangement, the the traditional melody is presented in a very elegant manner. However, what really makes this arrangement great is the use of dynamic contrast. This piece is really a repetition of the same simple melody, and yet it always feels like it’s going somewhere. “Carol of the Bells”: Trans-Siberian Orchestra The Trans-Siberian Orchestra definitely gets some points for originality here. Who could have known that rock musicians can create a great Christmas song too? Their version of “Carol of the Bells” is a perfect storm of pure awesomeness. It starts out slow and haunting, but quickly turns powerful and intense, making for one of the best Christmas songs out there. “Snow Samba”: Paquito d’Rivera “Snow Samba” doesn’t really have anything to do with the holiday season other than the connection with snow, but nevertheless, I always find myself listening to it more around this time. I don’t really have anything to say about this tune other than that it has a fantastic groove. The rhythm section is locked in throughout, with traditional Latin percussion creating a unique texture. “Silver Bells”: London Symphony Orchestra “Silver Bells” has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs, and it received a beautiful instrumental treatment from the London Symphony Orchestra. The arrangement uses a prominent piano and subtle backgrounds to create a warm and comforting musical atmosphere. The melody is passed around between instrumental families in a very natural way, and the diversity of timbres so expertly utilized here make for a wonderful piece that other versions (like those with vocals) just can’t match.
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Sports
LAYING DOWN THE LAW: A LOOK AT ONE OF IHS’ RESIDENT REFEREES-IN-TRAINING By Justin Heitzman
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n the United States, youth sports are a pretty big deal. Chances are that most people reading this played some kind of organized sport when they were younger, whether it was soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey, or something else. America’s extensive youth sports system is based around parents acting as coaches and teaching kids the basics of sports and teamwork. It usually culminates in a better understanding of the sport (and hopefully some fun) for the athlete, and for the coaches, the satisfaction of being a good parent through teaching children. However, there’s one other role in the world of youth athletics, and that is the role of the referee. These are the true unsung heroes of any sporting event, and especially at the youth level. Their job is far from easy; there are many rules to be memorized, and there isn’t any kind of slow-motion replay to make calls easier. To the average person, the accuracy of officiating a youth sport might not sound significant, but it’s easy for the referee to draw the ire of parents who don’t understand the rules and who overestimate their children’s abilities. One might expect, therefore, that the referee has to be someone who has plenty of maturity and experience. This is not necessarily entirely true, however; some students here at IHS are training to be youth referees. Since last summer, Alexander Whitehead ’20 has been going through the process of becoming a youth hockey referee in different leagues around Ithaca. He will be refereeing the 11-and-under age group. He first registered in August, and since then, he’s been studying up on the rules of the game. He said that “We have physical and online rulebooks, which we use to study [for] an open-book test. In this test, we are allowed to use our notes on the rulebook.” However, this test is not the only requirement for certification. Whitehead said that other steps “include watching online modules, which help you to learn how to position yourself and how to call penalties.” The referees-in-training also “had to sit through a long seminar, during which [we] recapped information given in the online modules, as well as physically practicing refereeing skills.” The seminar had some interesting moments; Whitehead noted, “When I got to the rink, we started doing our indoor session. We couldn’t go out on the ice, which meant we had to practice our refereeing on the soccer field. I thought that was pretty cool.” It’s clear that being a hockey referee is a big commitment and takes a lot of time. So, why would anyone want to go through this? For Whitehead, it’s something that he’s wanted to do for quite a while. He said, “When I was younger, I had some older friends in Boy Scouts and hockey that were involved in refereeing, and they told me that one day I should try to become one. When I turned 15, I decided that I should have some kind of a job, and I wanted to become more involved with hockey too.” The monetary situation doesn’t hurt, either. “I know people who have made 20
$140 for just four hours of refereeing,” said Whitehead. Becoming a hockey referee might not be the most well-known part-time job in Ithaca, but once you get past the training, perhaps it isn’t so bad.
STUDENT ATHLETE FEATURE
MAMADOU BAH By Isaiah Gutman Last year, the IHS Boys Varsity basketball team had an incredible year, finishing with a record of 18–1 and finishing as runners-up in the Section 4 tournament. Tryouts for the team ran in early November. I caught up with Mamadou Bah ’19, a first-time member of the Varsity squad, to discuss the team’s prospects for this season. Isaiah Gutman ’19: What was the experience like, trying out for the team? MB: The experience was fun. It was long and tiring, but fun. IG: Do you have any examples of drills that you did? MB: The first day, we had this drill where if you missed, or the ball hit the ground, then you had to run sprints. Since it was the first time most of us were doing that drill, there were a lot of mistakes and we had to run a lot. IG: Did the tryouts have any effect on you, like soreness or something similar? MB: I wasn’t sore; it was just running, so it wasn’t too bad.
IG: How did you find out you made the team? How did you feel when you found out? MB: The coach pulled players aside to let them know if they made it. I was pretty excited when he told me. IG: What are your expectations for the team this year? MB: In terms of the team, I think we are going to have a very good year. We have pretty good players, and I think they’re all eager to win the championship. I’m confident that we’ll have a good year. IG: I’m guessing you’ve watched the current seniors play for a while, and maybe played with them before. How does it feel to be on the same team as them now? MB: You get to compete with them every day and get better through that, so it’s good. I like it. IG: Are there any pro players you try to emulate in your play? MB: No, I try to emulate myself. But Kyrie Irving and Devin Booker: those are my two guys.
Literary
The Grove By Anna Westwig Note: Contains graphic violence. From beneath the reeds under the mournful willow trees, there came a hushed voice whispering. A strong wind blew through the forest and the yellow-green tips of the dying reeds swirled back and forth, as the aged branches of the willow trees snapped and groaned. The thin yellow leaves were torn from their branches and set aloft into the darkening sky. As the wind softened and the rush of the trees wasn’t so deafening, she heard the voice again. “Aliyah.” It was a musical sort of a voice, but there was a dark guttural cracking in the syllables that suggested pointed teeth and long, sharp, yellowed fingernails. She should’ve run away then and never come back. She should’ve left the grove and its ominous whispers and barely given it a second thought. But she had a sister to find. Instead, she stepped closer to the chilled water and bent down, her ear leaning in toward the source of the voice. “Aliyah.” The voice was happy. “Aliyah.” The voice was right in her ear and she jerked back, her limbs moving sluggishly. She stumbled away from the pond, her torn leather boots crunching on the dead leaves. The wind started again. The leaves beneath her began to stir and her hair was torn at by the long fingers of the wind. Snatching at the loose strands, pulling on her tingling scalp. Except . . . She turned slowly, her eyes settling on the deep yellow of an old woman’s eyes whose hands were bunched around strands of her brown hair. “Aliyah.” The woman crooned and wrapped her weathered hands around Aliyah’s neck. Her cracked fingernails dug into Aliyah’s soft flesh. Aliyah screamed, but her voice was swallowed by the wind. Only the willow trees heard her cry, and all they could do was watch. The crone’s fingers pressed harder and she let out a whimper and something warm and sticky ran down her neck and settled in her collarbones. “Aliyah,” the woman repeated. Aliyah cringed and snapped her eyes shut as the woman bent down and lapped up her blood with a forked tongue. The tongue was rough and hot and Aliyah did everything in her power to imagine it was only her family’s hunting dog, Jack. It didn’t work. The crone slowly, slowly released her death-grip on her neck and Aliyah tensed. Every muscle in her body bunched and coiled. She had to wait, to make sure it was the right time. Ready. Ready. She leaped, arms and legs swinging wildly, pushing against the grabbing fingers of the crone. Adrenaline pumped through her veins and she made a dash towards the safety of the willow trees. Aliyah didn’t know why, but something thrumming through her aching bones told her she would be safe behind the treeline. She never made it. IMAGE BY MATT PALMER
To be continued in the February issue.
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Literary
5:32 am You wake from a deep slumber in a small clearing of a forest to the music of birds harmonizing, singing their routine morning song. The sunlight spotlights your presence in a manner so picturesque you feel exposed in the ethereal image. Lost and confused, you check your watch. 5:32 am. Unfortunately, you can tell that the clock is broken because the second hand doesn’t move, prompting the realization you’re even more lost than you initially thought. Small, glowing wisps appear suddenly, leading to a path into the woods. You follow their way in hopes of divine guidance. Gorgeous and sparkling stones appear under your feet, paving a blissful road of your steps. Bright, colorful flower blossoms and shrubs bloom rapidly and graciously, seemingly at your command, framing the trail. After a considerable amount of time passes and your feet grow weary, you reach a dead end where a
By Ann Wang treehouse stands. Shoddily crafted but charming, you think of the treehouse of your own childhood. The quixotic nature of this lost world feels inconsequential and almost heavenly. You scale the tree and climb into the shed, eager to reminisce and leaving behind all apprehension. There you meet a seemingly fading woman, serene and solemn. Her hair flows in soft waves and she wears a silk dress, gold as the sunlight. She reminds you of an angel, sparking your curiosity. As you look more closely, her dress quickly transforms into blue scrubs. Bloodstained latex gloves appear over her delicate hands. Her youthful face ages in a matter of a seconds. A surgical face mask materializes, smothering her features but failing to hide her exhaustion and pain. She lifts the mask, opens her mouth and mournfully mutters, “Time of death: 5:32 am.”
Memorial By Zachary Foley In the masses they went To combat hate To make peace where sent Death was their fate Lives left unlived Now left in the ornate Stone that is their fate
IMAGES BY OSMAN RANA
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SILVER BELLS, JINGLE BELLS, ALL THE BELLS! Silver Bells, Jingle Bells, All the Bells!
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Across 2. These festive songs will be stuck in your head till July. 4. You’ll for sure freeze your butt off, but it’ll be fun, gliding across the ice on your _____ 8. Watch out for the elf on the _____; he sees everything 9. Watch outside as the days get longer. Nighttime falls later and later each day after the Winter _____ 11. A night where you can dress up all sparkly and stay up till midnight waiting to see the ball drop or the IC towers change lights for the New _____ 12. What color Christmas did Elvis sing about? 14. Naughty or nice? Either way, Santa is checking this twice Down 1. The snowman who was a “jolly, happy soul” 3. I really can’t stay (but baby, it’s cold _____) 4. Oh no, these are not brass, nor gold; these bells are _____ 5. What kind of fight? Only in the winter! 6. Rudolph the red-nosed _____ 7. This seven-branched candelabrum lit during Hanukkah 8. Refreshing _____calculator.com every five minutes to see if school will be cancelled 10. Pa rum pum pum pum. The Little _____ Boy 12. Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is _____ 13. _____ Christmas sweater parties. The best, but also the worst
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By Ethan Carlson
9. Watch outside as the days get longer, night time falling later and later each day after the Winter _____ 11. A night where you can dress up all sparkly and stay up ‘til midnight waiting to see the ball drop or the IC towers change lights for the new _____ 12. What color Christmas did Elvis sing about? 14. Naughty or nice? Either way, Santa is checking this twice
Penultimate
5. What kind of fight? Only in the Winter! 6. Rudolph the Red Nosed 7. This seven-brached candelabrum lit during Hanukah 8. Refreshing _____calculator.com every five minutes to see if school will be cancelled. 10. Pa rum pum pum pum. The Little _____ Boy 12. Silent night, holy night. All in calm, all is... 13. _____ Christmas sweater parties, the best but also the worst.
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Back Page
THE SIGNS AS THE THINGS YOU WEAR IN WINTER By Sophie Wray
Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20)
Hats. Hats of all sorts. Hats with pompoms, with ear flaps, with sequins. A beret, a beanie, a raccoon hat too.
Long underwear. You will never ever be cold wearing these. There’ll be not a second of discomfort, your legs as happy as can be wrapped up in these.
Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22)
Sweaters (ugly Christmas sweaters optional). Coziness and much delight as you pull on a sweater to escape from the chilly December air.
Mittens. Mittens are like little jails for your hands. No mobility, and you can’t pick up anything; your phalanges are locked up. But they are adorable and cozy, so that makes up for it, right?
Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
Handschuhe? What’s that? The German word for gloves, pronounced almost exactly like “handshoe.” Shoes for your hands!
Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22)
Vests. Armless coats. They keep your core nice and warm but that’s about it.
Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)
Earmuffs. Your ears will be nice and toasty, but the rest of your head is left cold, with no hat to trap the heat!
Big puffy coats. You’ll look and feel like a giant marshmallow, and it will be great; don’t you worry.
Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
Ski masks. Scary, but warm. Just be cautious while wearing these and don’t go out in public; you might get some frightened looks.
Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)
Ice skates. Not an everyday item, no. If you ice skated every day, your ankles would be dead.
Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)
Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
Winter boots. No cold toes for you! Ditch your sneakers for the season, and pull on a pair of big ol’ boots and hit the snow!
Wool socks. Oh yes, wool socks please. They are like sweaters for your feet.
The Coolness Spectrum COOL Igloos Ugly Christmas sweaters Cookie decorating Snow days! Snow (love it or hate it) Varying room temperature throughout the school Black ice It gets dark so early
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