February 2023 by The Affair Magazine

CURRENT AFFAIRS IN A WAY YOU'LL LOVE

FEBRUARY 2023

VOL 4 // ISSUE 2

THE PROBLEMS WITH DIET CULTURE

MUSICIANS LOST IN 2022

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

SHOULD ALL SCHOOLS HAVE AT LEAST ONE GENDER NEUTRAL RESTROOM?

JAPAN'S WHALE MEAT VENDING MACHINES

SHAMROCK COOKIES

SAHITHI LINGAMPALLI

TARUNI MANAM

KAVYA GURUNATH

ASHMITA ANNAMALAI

HARINI AKURATHI layout co-director

UDAY LINGAMPALLI

vice executive opinion co-director

GEETHIKAA TARRA

MIA GRACE

founder art co-director

arts & media co-director

politics & world events codirector

EVELYN CHEN

RACHEL ADAM

art co-director

vice executive lifestyle co-director

politics & world events codirector

vice executive science co-director

editing co-director

HELEN BIAN

layout co-director

THEJO TATTALA

tech & design co-director

AATHMIKA RADHACHANDRAN public relations co-director

JUEE DESHMUKH science co-director

COVER DESIGN BY HELEN BIAN

MAGGIE KWEE

public relations co-director

meet the staff

WRITERS: Isabel White Rachel Adam Thejo Tattala Kavya Gurunath Akshaya Vimalraj Taruni Manam Geethikaa Tarra ARTISTS: Cal Shin-Koh Sahithi Lingampalli Evelyn Chen Thejo Tattala

EDITORS: Aniha Vasnad Uday Lingampalli Isabel White Geethikaa Tarra Kavya Gurunath Isabel White

LAYOUT DESIGNERS:

Helen Bian Sahithi Lingampalli Mikaela Cadíz Chhavi Agarwal Harini Akurathi

contents

ART/MEDIA

Musicians Lost in 2022

WORLD POLITICS

Japan's Whale Meat Vending Machines

TECH

Sustainable Design

Design and the Urban Housing Problem

Science

The Problems with Diet Culture

Stuck in Your Head

The Attention Span

LIFESTYLE

Shamrock Cookies

OPINION

Should All Schools Have At Least One Gender Neutral Bathroom?

2022 was an extremely sad industry, as we lost many genre of

year for the entertainment y beloved stars from every f music.

SEPT. 26, 1948 - AUG 8, 2022 (73 YEARS OLD)

Drummer and occasional vocalist vivacious person Taylor Hawkins’ most notable work life with a twink began when he joined the Foo Fighters attitude, a wicke in 1997, who recorded 8 Chadwick Benefield, WBKR albums between 1999 and 2021. According to the members of his band, he was the “core” of the Foo Fighters along with lead singer and guitarist Dave Grohl. Another band mate, bassist Nate Mendel, cited Hawkins as the catalyst to Foo Fighters’ success: “He came into a band that was pretty scrappy, in general, and kind of acclimated to that for a second, and then was like, ‘Hang on a second, what if we become good?’” (Rolling Stone).

Although many will remember 2022 as the year of many things before music, there were certainly many leaps taken by musicians and artists across every genre. The anthems of the year (stated as the top few out of 100) shouldn't be a surprise: As it Was by Harry Styles, Heat Waves by the Glass Animals, and Stay AUG 10, 1943 - JAN by The Kid Laroi and Justin Beiber. 12, 2022 (78 YEARS However, despite the fact that 2022 saw OLD) the release of hundreds of brand-new Dubbed the “original bad girl of rock-nsongs, the saddest events of the year roll,” American singer Ronnie Spector were the passing of many beloved co-founded The Ronettes in the late musicians, both young and old. 1950s with older sister Estelle Benett and cousin Nedra Talley. The Ronettes are remembered to this day as inspiring many artists (including Amy FEB 17, 1972 - MAR 25, 2022 (50 Winehouse), and Spector is YEARS OLD) remembered in particular for her

smile on her fa with love and statement from News).

OCT 13, 1940 YEARS OLD)

nality. “Ronnie lived her kle in her eye, a spunky ed sense of humor and a

American jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders is best known for his track “The Creator Has a Master Plan,” which is a whopping 33 minutes in length. His career and fame were based on the spiritual nature of his work, along with pushing the boundaries of his instrument. Shabaka Hutchings, who took great inspiration from Sanders, said she did not consider him a real person-rather, a “[Representation] of a creative principle that centers communalism as the driving force from which spirit is manifested through sound” (The Vinyl Factory).

JAN 18, 1994 - NOV 1, 2002 (28 YEARS OLD)

American rapper Takeoff, who was born as Kirshnik Khari Ball, was acknowledged as the hip hop trio Migos’ most laid-back, reserved member, and is celebrated for his lyrics. Noteable hits by Migos include “Bad ace. She was filled and Boujee” featuring Lil Uzi Vert and “I gratitude,” said a Get The Bag” with Gucci Mane. When m her family (AP questioned about his “chill” nature, Takeoff himself said on an episode of the “Drink Champs” podcast that “It’s time to give me my flowers. I don’t want them later on when I’m not here.”

JULY 12, 1943 - NOV 30, 2022 (79 YEARS OLD)

Last, but certainly not least, Christine McVie was an English musician and songwriter most notably a part of the band Fleetwood Mac, for whom she provided vocals and her talents on the keyboard. She also wrote many of the band’s top hits, including “Little Lies,” “Everywhere,” “Say You Love Me,” and perhaps the most famous of them all: “Songbird.” Band cofounder Mick Fleetwood said of McVie in a tweet that she “left us earthbound folks to listen with bated breath to the sounds of that song bird... reminding one and all that love is all around us to reach for and touch in this precious life that is gifted to us. Part of my heart has flown away today” (BBC).

- SEPT 24 2022 (81

Japan, a country well-known for its unique vending machines and delicious traditional cuisine, has recently opened three vending machines selling whale meat, sparking international controversy. Learn about the traditions associated with whale meat, the vending machines themselves, and public reactions to them.

Whaling has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. Parts of the whale, such as the tail meat (onomi) are regarded as a luxurious delicacy, while some people consume it for good luck in the new year (Reitman, 2001). During World War II, whale meat became a staple food, as it was an affordable source of protein - annual consumption peaked at 233,000 tons in 1962 (Yamaguchi, 2023). However, after the war, consumption steadily decreased as the prices of chicken, beef, and other meats became more affordable (Reuters, 2023). Nevertheless, the older generation still sees whale meat as a traditional food that evokes nostalgic feelings. Mami Kashiwabara, a 61-yearold woman from Yokohama agrees that it’s “not good to kill whales meaninglessly,” but that the meat evokes her “childhood memories” of family dinners and school lunches (Yamaguchi, 2023). Furthermore, she believes that “whale meat is part of Japanese food culture” and that appreciating the whales’ meat is a way to respect and honor their lives. This has led to a small but dedicated market for whale meat products.

On January 24, Kyodo Senpaku, a Japanese whaling firm, opened three vending machines in Yokohama offering whale steak, whale bacon, whale sashimi, canned whale meat, and whale skin. Prices range from $7.70 to $23 (Reuters, 2023). The firm, which had been struggling for years to promote their products due to protests from conservationists, dwindling popularity among younger generations, and supermarkets’ refusal to sell the meat. By conveniently placing the vending machines near grocery stores (where whale meat is often unavailable), Kyodo Senpaku hopes to bolster sales and increase consumers of whale meat. Also, as the machines are self-service, they eliminate the shame, stigma, and harassment that people face from activists when trying to buy whale meat. The firm hopes to expand the vending machines to 100 locations over the next five years. And, so far, sales are booming - customers of all ages say that the products are delicious, and that they’ll be back for more.

Reactions to the vending machines are mixed. On one hand, the demand for whale meat has been higher than expected, and young and elderly alike give it rave reviews. Some say that they’d be open to trying the meat, but wouldn’t go out of their way to buy it, and are satisfied with their current diet. Others see the vending machines as a way to “let the government’s embattled and expensive whaling program adapt to changing times and tastes” (Yamaguchi, 2023). Supporters of whale meat consumption even argue that it has a high protein content and low carbon footprint compared to other meats. However, conservationists are worried about the implications of the vending machines. Nanami Kurasawa, head of the Dolphin and Whale Action Network, says that “the issue is not the vending machines themselves, but what they may lead to.” She noted that “the whaling operator is already asking for additional catches and to expand whaling outside of the designated waters” (Yamaguchi, 2023). Other conservationists argue that since whale meat isn’t part of most young people’s diets, the machines are a waste of money. Ren Yabuki, the director of the Life Investigation Agency, has an extremely critical view of the machines. He says that he’s “not surprised by the whaling company’s attempt to sell whale meat in vending machines, but is

skeptical it will be popular among the younger population” (Dateline, Reuters, 2023). Furthermore, he expressed his anger about “what the whaling industry is doing to the environment and to this precious species.” He doesn’t believe that the machines will be successful long-term, and that current sales are solely fueled by the nostalgic older generation who grew up eating whale meat. Representatives from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Organization think that the machines are “a cynical sales ploy driven by a small but powerful group of politicians and industry stakeholders” (News.au, 2023). The organization’s UK head of communications, Danny Grove, views the plan as “absurd,” arguing that “there is limited demand for the meat, and the hunting methods used are inhumane.” Finally, famous environmental organization Greenpeace disagrees with the Japanese government’s view that “whale stocks had recovered, noting that ocean life was also being threatened by pollution and overfishing.” Whaling today is a minor industry in Japan today, due to reduced government quotas on how many whales can be caught per year, and climate change forcing whales to move away from the Japanese coast. However, conservative lawmakers wholeheartedly support commercial whaling and consumption of whale meat, as it preserves centuries of Japanese cultural tradition.

TEC TE

Sustainable Sustainable Design Design

What is sustainable design? How does it impact the world, and why is it important? Join the Affair as we explore sustainability through a design lens.

esign and the Urban Housing Problem

By 2030, approximately 3 billion people will be in need of proper housing according to the United Nations Habitat. How can we accommodate an exponentially increasing population despite limited space and intense pollution? Join the Affair as we explore a potential solution, using design.

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SUSTAINAB SUSTAINAB Sustainability is defined as the balance between environment, equity, and economy. Each of these factors are interconnected, and the imbalance is what causes the most prevalent issues in society. Uneven distribution of resources, for example, is a cause of housing problems. Take, for instance, the innovative, well-funded architecture of Singapore versus the crumbling waterside hovels of Jakarta. These situations reflect the living conditions and prosperity of their residents as well. So how does design play into this dynamic? How can structures and products be designed in such a way that it alleviates issues that affect the environment, people, and profit?

Architects answered these questions with the Copenhill building in Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhill is a recreational center combined with a waste-to-energy power plant. It burns waste delivered from trucks in a combustion boiler. In other words, the waste is burned and converted to heat for water supplies and electricity for the city. The ash of the waste is purified of toxic substances and reused as aggregate, or a type of

construction material. The steam released from purification is emitted from a smoke stack at the top of the building, a symbol of the factory’s revolutionary waste to energy conversion process. While Copenhill is an industrial example of sustainable design, there has also been sustainable innovation in the construction of residential structures. The La Borda co-op of Barcelona, Spain created a self-managed housing project. Residents become part of a selfmanaged, collaborative business instead of paying rent. This also allows them to finish construction tailored to the needs of the specific group in the co-op, providing both equity and economic opportunity to communities in Denmark, Uruguay, and Germany. This arrangement of sustainable design, when introduced to communities in third world countries, could provide equitable housing for many more people. Urban housing is an area of improvement across the world in terms of sustainability, but consumer goods also have a large impact on the environment. Plastic pollution is

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BLE DESIGN BLE DESIGN killing the oceans, with around 8 to 10 million tons of plastic pollution in the ocean annually. Additionally, the prediction for CO2 emissions in 2022 is 36.6 billion tonnes, enough to worsen Earth’s slowly diminishing ozone layer. Landfills are a significant source of CO2, as each ton of waste contributes anywhere from 0.7 to 1.7 tonnes of CO2. Consumer goods are a significant aspect of this dynamic—they are the source of CO2 emissions during production in factories, and degradation, in both landfills and the ocean. The blame isn’t solely on consumer carelessness— although environmental consideration is an important individual responsibility— it’s also the designer’s responsibility to consider what happens to a product at the end of it’s life cycle, and design around the constraints.

based on hydrogen power, another alternative for fossil fuel emissions. If implemented, these solutions could significantly cut CO2 and methane emissions, both in aviation and the automotive industry. Sustainability is an all-encompassing topic that must be carefully considered before implementation. The effects of design— in both housing and consumer goods — extend beyond just conservation of the environment. They also affect people and the economy. The key to solving society’s problems lies in finding ways to balance all three realms through innovation, design, and technology.

For example, Rolls Royce, an aerospace and car company is developing a Turbo Fan with higher levels of fuel efficiency, leading towhich correlates to lower use of fuel and less carbon emissions. It is also hybrid electric, which means it relies on both electricity and fossil fuels. Furthermore, Rolls Royce is currently conducting research to design an engine

Design and the Urban Housing Problem Blurb: By 2030, approximately 3 billion people will be in need of proper housing according to the United Nations Habitat. How can we accommodate an exponentially increasing population despite limited space and intense pollution? Join the Affair as we explore a potential solution, using design.

As Earth’s population has reached 8 billion people, cities and urban areas have become increasingly crowded, especially with people in search of jobs or career advancement. Rent is therefore incredibly expensive. The median rent was just under 2,000 dollars per month, as of December 2022. Office spaces and residential spaces are extremely scarce as they are unable to keep up with the growing population. The problem, however, isn’t the lack of space: it’s that people don’t know how to use it. There are around 63,000 corporate construction businesses in the United States alone. Businesses, especially large corporations, easily consider building new structures as a solution to a lack of space, despite the resulting carbon emissions. However, they do not look to existing empty spaces as a solution.

Abandoned warehouses and factories exist in numerous cities across the world — if examined carefully enough. These factories are often large enough to accommodate large numbers of people if designed properly. However, companies often do not have the time or the interest to renovate these spaces into workplaces or residential habitats. Instead, modular housing units offer a much more viable solution.

Modular housing units are small, cubical residential units designed to serve multiple purposes— sleeping, working, dressing, and even cooking in some cases— all in one space. Some are premade units, while others are composed of smaller units that can be assembled to fit particular needs.

Upon installment, they need minimal amenities— a few days for establishment, a source of water, and electricity, which most factories already have. They can be arranged to put multiple in one setting, offering a community that is safe and collaborative at an affordable price. Moreover, the housing units are not definitively permanent, which means that companies can return them for reuse if they no longer need the space.

Studio Bark, an architecture firm, constructs customizable modular units for indoor use, a product of the “Shed Pod Project”. Residents have the option to design their space to their liking, and construct it. This gives them a sense of personal attachment and allows them to tailor their living space to their needs, as they would in houses and apartments.

Similarly, Kodasema, an architectural design company based in Estonia, creates pre-assembled modular units that can be used for both office and residential spaces. The bottom floor is a work, living, and dining space while the loft can be used for entertainment and sleeping. It can be installed anywhere with access to sewage, water, and electricity. Koda housing units cost $95000. These devices can also be placed outdoors in empty areas, between buildings, or in transitional areas of cities. Even though urban housing is a pressing issue due to crowding and overpopulation, design can help discover a solution. Modular housing units are biodegradable, efficient, adaptable and affordable. While contrary to the conventional buildings of the past, these innovative homes are the future of sustainable housing.

Similarly, a Dutch Design Studio, Fiction Factory, is producing housing units made of durable cardboard, known as the Wikkelhouse. These houses are made of 1.2 meter modular segments, customized and assembled into homes. The variety of segments offer all the necessary amenities found in urban housing. In addition, Wikkel h ouses are biodegradable, composed mostly of a cardboard exterior, wooden walls, and flax (to coat the wall frames as an insulator). These modular homes cost just above $90,000, which is much more affordable compared to the average house in the US, which cost more than $400,000 as of 2022.

science s c i e n c e s c i e n c e s c i e n c e

the problems with diet culture Diet culture has worn many different faces, but the prevalence of diets on people’s beings has been observed for decades. What is it, what are its effects, and how can we combat it?

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stuck in your head How do songs get stuck in your head? What is the science behind it? Keep reading to learn more!

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the attention span As we look at the length of our attention span we can see how over the years it becomes lower and lower. So, why is this the case, and what is the reason for this occurrence?

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This article contains detailed mentions of disordered eating, eating disorders, and dieting. Please read with care.

written by

isabel w

layout by

mikaela cadiz

art by

sahithi lingampalli

edited by

kavya gurunath geethikaa tarra aniha vasnad

diet c

THE PRO

The new “in” diet of the year has worn many different faces throughout the last few decades: some call it Paleo, while others prefer the low-carb Keto. Others include the Atkins diet, Whole 30, juice cleanses, the Cabbage Soup Diet, and going gluten-free (for weight loss purposes, rather than due to celiac disease). Some other, sneakier examples of a culture centered on achieving a “perfect” body include shapewear, Facetune, “cheat days,” Barbie, and sculpting spray tans (Teich, 2021). But where did any of these come from? And how are they able to stay afloat in a society with large amounts of research nullifying their effects? The answer is simple: diet culture. Diet culture is woven into the very fabric of our society, and is defined according to Norman Regional as a “social expectation that tells us how we should eat and look, and that if our bodies look a certain way – we are more accepted.” Diet culture deems “thinness” to be good, the ulterior end goal, and ignores the fact that health can occur at any size. It assumes a “perfect,” thin body is easily achievable to anyone no matter their circumstances or health conditions (disregarding the fact that foods traditionally considered “unhealthy”

are cheaper, many have issues, and weight is largely g Another common facet of diet is the association of moral jud to food, labeling certain items or “bad” based on their ab cause weight maintenance or l

Nowadays, diet culture refers as a “lifestyle change.” While lifestyle changes are certain and can help people live more fulfilling lives, restric restriction, regardless of the and judging one’s body impossible standard will only detrimental effects.

Firstly, diets have been scien proven time and time again no effective in the long term. D meant to be restrictive, wit cutting up to 40% of the calo “should” be consuming a day most are unsustainable, and s individuals begin to eat norma a period of time and regain weight lost. For example, a published in the medical jour found that weight, blood press cholesterol levels on one of 14 diets at the time (around generally returned to origina within a year (dieters maintai diet for 6 months and then ret

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to normal eating habits) (Harvard Health). Another study by several researchers with the Department of Primary Care and Public Health Sciences, King's College London, found that diets have a 98% fail rate. Additionally, and perhaps more harmfully, diet culture has been linked to the perpetuation of disordered eating and eating disorders.. This is partially due to its promotion of a “false sense of health,” which leads to people engaging in disordered eating behaviors to achieve the “perfect” body and avoid feelings of guilt. However, this just turns into a vicious cycle in which the person never feels satisfied with their body, no matter how much weight they lose. This cycle can lead to drastic, disordered eating behaviors to lose weight, which include avoiding entire food groups, over-exercising, binge eating, following strict food rules or rituals, or engaging in purging behaviors such as the ingestion of laxatives (Thorne, 2022). If you or someone you love is exhibiting signs of disordered eating or an eating disorder, you can find help at the National Eating Disorders Helpline. however, all hope is not lost combatting diet culture begins with an individual recognizing its existence and actively working against the

things they have internalized from it. There are many ways to do this, including (but not limited to): ✩ Stop engaging in “diet talk” by setting boundaries or leaving the room when diets are discussed ✩ Set clear boundaries with the people in your life about what you are and are not comfortable discussingoftentimes, people do not realize the damage they cause by bringing up diets in conversation ✩ Deep-clean your social media, deleting the people who make you feel bad about yourself ✩ Consider body neutrality rather than body positivity ✩ Reconnect with the food you loved as a child ✩ Stop labeling food as “good” or “bad” ✩ Reach out to help from family, friends, or a professional if you need it The ever-presence of diets may not die out in our lifetime, but you can feel comfortable in your own skin and foster a healthy relationship with food. Help is out there, and the most difficult hurdle is often recognizing the impacts of diet culture in our daily lives.

STUCK IN YOUR head I always have a song stuck in my head. Sometimes it makes sense, like aspac your brain could make you more likely song I recently heard on the radio or oner to have earworms. my playlist. Other times, it is a song that comes out of nowhere: a theme Earworms occur because there is song to a kids’ show I haven’t watched something about the repetitive lyrics of in years or a jingle for an ad I don’t songs that activates the brain’s reward really remember. I have always system (Why Do Songs Get Stuck in My wondered how songs get stuck in our Head?, 2019). When you listen to the heads, and just as importantly how to same song multiple times, your brain get them out (without getting that sends sound into a “phonological loop”. another stuck in your head instead). The phonological loop is a short-term This article aims to answer these memory system, in the auditory cortex, questions and provide more insight into the part of the brain that processes this phenomenon. auditory information, such as music, sound, and noise. Getting songs stuck in your head, also known as having an earworm, is Some of the most common common, especially for those with earworms cited by people are “Bad good memory. Research has also Romance” by Lady Gaga, “Moves Like shown that people with an obsessiveJagger” by Maroon 5, “Don’t Stop compulsive disorder or high sensitivity Believing” by Journey, and “Bohemian are more likely to have songs stuck in Rhapsody” by Queen (Breen, 2023). their heads. It is also a more common There are certain traits of a song that occurrence in people who spend more make it easy for it to get stuck in your time around music, such as head easily: an easy-to-remember tune instrumentalists or singers. or a song that repeats a part over and Additionally, there are some theories over. Earworms tend to raise in pitch at that the thickness of certain areas of first and then fall later. Many of them

also have a tunes (Bree most comm music whic get stuck in

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fast tempo and unexpected en, 2023). These traits are monly found in Western pop h is why those tunes tend to n our heads.

Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you the next time “Baby Shark” or “Nationwide is on your side” gets stuck in your head!

s no foolproof or getting songs f your head, but are some tips and s that you can try

g gum appears to interfere your ability to recollect memories that lead to an earworm.

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mes listening to the song all y through will stop a certain the song that is stuck in your rom playing over and over

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give it time. Eventually, ms will wear off.

by kavya gurunath edited by geethikaa tarra & shukashini sivakumar art by thejo tattala layout by sahithi lingampalli 24

The

n o i t n e t t A Span

Blurb: As we look at the length of our attention span we can see how over the years it becomes lower and lower. So, why is this the case, and what is the reason for this occurrence?

Whether it is thinking about the new movie coming out instead of finishing up your essay for English, or dozing off during a lecture, we’ve all had times when we just can’t seem to focus. Focusing becomes such a difficult task that sometimes even finishing one out of the 10 pages of homework assigned a particular night can seem like a ginormous accomplishment. So why does it become so hard to focus? Why are our attention spans so short?

According to studies conducted in 2015 by Microsoft, it is shown that Gen Z has the shortest attention span, lasting only an average of 8 seconds long. This is due to the long build-up of habits learned through the increasingly growing technology that Gen Z has been provided with almost all their life. With more and more teenagers using social media and other technologies, they become more accustomed to the quick swiping between content in a matter of less than a second. Watching a video with an ad? Skip it.

Don’t like the Instagram reel you are watching? Skip it. By doing this, teens’ attention span and willingness to focus on one specific topic becomes increasingly difficult as their brains have already molded to the shape of the social media system. In contrast to Gen Z’s very short attention span, older generations seem to have a longer attention span, starting at an average of 12 seconds. This would be because of the longer periods that older generations had to wait through, as not everything was as fast-paced in terms of technology as it is in today’s world. For example, when watching TV and an ad starts playing, they would have to sit and watch through the entire ad until it ended as there was no skip option back in the day. This allowed the older generation to be more patient and to listen to one topic or subject for a longer amount of time, therefore allowing them to maintain a higher attention span.

Doing the following things suggested by “The Brain Workshop” can help improve your attention span: Get rid of distractions: create a distraction-free environment by turning off devices or relocating to a quiet area. Chew gum: studies have shown that chewing gum can improve your attention span for short periods of time by distracting the brain. Drink water: dehydration can negatively impact your ability to think and concentrate. Exercise: studies have shown that as little as 30 min of exercise a day can improve your attention span. Meditate: meditation allows your brain to focus and redirect your thoughts. Evidence shows that frequent meditation leads to improvements in sustained attention. Brain Training: brain training targets and stimulates the underactive region of the brain responsible for the characteristics of inattention (the prefrontal cortex).

lifestyle

shamrock cookies These sugar cookies disguised as shamrock cookies are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.

SHAMRO

ingredients

Flour (2 ½ cups) Baking soda (1 teaspoon) Nutmeg (1 teaspoon) Unsalted Butter (2 sticks) Confectioners sugar (1 ½ cups) Egg (1) Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)

icing Milk (2-3 teaspoons) Confectioners Sugar (½ cup) Green food color (5-10 drops suggested, add more if desired)

written by taruni manam layout by mikaela cadiz

OCK COOKIES steps

In a large bowl mix 2 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg.

In a separate bowl, beat 2 sticks of softened, unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of confectioners sugar in a bowl until it reaches a fluffy mixture.

Beat in an egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until thoroughly mixed.

Stir in the flour mixture gradually until well mixed.

Refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour or until firm.

Cut out the dough with shamrock cookie cutters or any cookie cutters of your choice.

Place the cookies on greased baking sheets.

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes (or until lightly brown).

Cool the cookies completely on a baking rack.

For the icing, mix about 5-10 drops of green food color and milk together in a small bowl. Add half a cup of confectioner’s sugar. Change the amount of food color and milk according to the shade and thickness you desire.

The best way to decorate the cookies is to dip the cookies into the frosting while holding onto the sides of the cookie.

While the dough is refrigerating, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough with a ⅛ inch of thickness. If there are cracks, use a bit of milk to smooth the surface.

art by evelyn chen

edited by geethikaa tarra

YES. Every school should have at least one gender neutral restroom. Many students don’t identify as male or female and with an increase in young people coming out as nonbinary, gender separated facilities should be more inclusive.. Nonbinary students, in particular, should not be pressured to “choose a side” or fear harassment or bullying for doing something as basic and rudimentary as using the restroom. However, gender neutral restrooms are not just for students who may not identify with one or the other. Many of us are victims to the absurdly long lines particularly for the women’s restroom while the men’s is completely empty. Having a neutral restroom would be extremely beneficial and effective in attempting to reduce such lines and allow students more time to socialize and learn.

references

References for ART/MEDIA Musicians Lost in 2022 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_2022 Assaly, R., & Murphy, A. (2022, December 31). From Taylor Hawkins to Takeoff to Loretta Lynn, here are 11 influential artists we lost in 2022. The Star. https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2022/12/31/fromtaylor-hawkins-to-takeoff-to-loretta-lynn-here-are-11-influential-musical-artists-we-lost-in-2022.html Benitez-Eves, T. (2022, December 12). Memoriam: Artists we lost in 2022. American Songwriter. https://americansongwriter.com/in-memoriam-artists-we-lost-in-2022/ Bouza, K. (2022, March 26). Foo Fighters Drummer Taylor Hawkins Dead at 50. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/foo-fighters-drummer-taylor-hawkins-obituary-1327112/

https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/08/entertainment/olivia-newton-john-obit/index.html https://apnews.com/article/ronnie-spector-dead-84c905db02a01ffa43a6052c3ce66920 https://www.npr.org/2022/09/24/1124925662/pharoah-sanders-dies-at-81-obituary https://apnews.com/article/takeoff-obiturary-migos-music-hip-hop-b951e87568bc0b8a5ea027b20e093715 https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63812952

References for World politics JAPAN's WHALE MEAT VENDING MACHINES Dateline, Reuters. (2023, January 28). Vending machines in Japan are now selling whale meat. Will this revive a sinking industry? SBS. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://www.sbs.com.au/news/dateline/article/vending-machines-in-japan-are-now-selling-whale-meatwill-this-revive-a-sinking-industry/1epklotkm News.au. (2023, January 29). Outrage over Japan's new whale meat vending machines | news.com.au — Australia's leading news site. News.com.au. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/travel-stories/conservationists-rally-against-japans-newwhale-meat-vending-machines/news-story/d94f985b086fc27831c43a5e14a93bec Reitman, V. (2001, September 1). Japanese See Whales as Majestic and Tasty. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-sep-01-mn-40893-story.html Reuters. (2023, January 24). Japanese firm puts whale meat on sale in vending machines. CNN. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/24/asia/japan-whale-meat-vending-machine-intlhnk/index.html Yamaguchi, M. (2023, January 28). Japan firm opens whale meat vending machines to push sales. AP News. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://apnews.com/article/japan-yokohama-tokyo-business-whales54c5606b6cc729191afe850aadbd4487 Yamaguchi, M. (2023, January 28). Japan launches whale meat vending machines to promote sales. KESQ. Retrieved February 5, 2023, from https://kesq.com/news/2023/01/27/japan-launches-whale-meat-vendingmachines-to-promote-sales/

References for TECH SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Allen, M. (2022, November 15). Global atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to rise. Welcome to NOAA Research. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://research.noaa.gov/article/ArtMID/587/ArticleID/2914/No-sign-of-significant-decrease-in-globalCO2-emissions Baldwin, E. (2019, October 7). Copenhill: The story of big's iconic waste-to-energy plant. ArchDaily. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.archdaily.com/925966/copenhill-the-story-of-bigs-iconicwaste-to-energy-plant \ Cherner, J. (2022, April 21). The world's 6 most beautiful buildings that redefine sustainable architecture. Architectural Digest. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/worlds-most-beautiful-buildings-redefine-sustainablearchitecture?redirectURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.architecturaldigest.com%2Fgallery%2Fworlds-mostbeautiful-buildings-redefine-sustainable-architecture crashcourse. (2022, April 4). Sustainable cities: Crash course geography #49. YouTube. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMn-bCdThEg Fava, M. F. (2022, June 9). Plastic pollution in the ocean: Data, facts, consequences. Ocean Literacy Portal. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/ Ijeh, I. (2019, October 22). Projects: Copenhill Ski Slope and energy-from-waste plant, Copenhagen. Building. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.building.co.uk/buildings/projects-copenhill-ski-slope-andenergy-from-waste-plantcopenhagen/5102285.article#:~:text=Internally%2C%20the%20plant%20works%20by,more%20than%201% 2C000%C2%B0C. Luco, A. (2019, August 5). La Borda / Lacol. ArchDaily. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.archdaily.com/922184/la-borda-lacol Royce, R. (n.d.). Ultrafan. Rolls. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.rollsroyce.com/innovation/ultrafan.aspx Staff, Z. W. E. (2022, August 9). Understanding the carbon impacts of waste to energy incineration. Zero Waste Europe. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://zerowasteeurope.eu/2020/03/understanding-thecarbon-impacts-of-waste-toenergy/#:~:text=Each%20tonne%20of%20MSW%20incinerated,wood%2C%20paper%20and%20food). UCLA. (n.d.). What is sustainability? UCLA Sustainability. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.sustain.ucla.edu/what-is-sustainability/

DESIGN AND THE URBAN HOUSING PROBLEM CBS Interactive. (2022, July 6). Cost of a typical house in the U.S. tops $400,000 for first time. CBS News. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/home-prices-housing-sales-4070002022-06-11/ Fiction Factory, W. (2023, January 18). Welcome to Wikkelhouse. Wikkelhouse. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://wikkelhouse.com/#faq IBISWorld. (2023, January 12). Industry market research, reports, and Statistics. IBISWorld. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/commercialbuilding-construction-united-states/ Ivanova, I. (2022, June 21). Rent. January 2023 rent report - rent. research. CBSNEWS. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.rent.com/research/average-rent-price-report/ John, D. (2017, October 22). The housing designers solving urban living's big problem. BBC Culture. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20171020-the-housing-designerssolving-urban-livings-big-problem kodasema. (2023, January 31). Koda by Kodasema: The Americas. KODA. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://kodasema.com/us/ Kuimet, P. (2016). Koda/Kodasema. Archdaily. Archdaily. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.archdaily.com/790996/koda-kodasema UNHabitat. (2022, September 22). Housing: UN. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://unhabitat.org/topic/housing

References for science the PROBLEMS WITH DIET CULTURE Fildes, A., Charlton, J., Rudisill, C., Littlejohns, P., Prevost, A. T., & Gulliford, M. C. (2015). Probability of an Obese Person Attaining Normal Body Weight: Cohort Study Using Electronic Health Records. American Journal of Public Health, 105(9), e54–e59. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2015.302773 Pono, A. (2022, April 22). 7 Ways to Resist Diet Culture. ’Ai Pono Hawaii Eating Disorder Treatment Center. https://www.aipono.com/blog/7-ways-to-resist-diet-culture Shmerling, R. H., MD. (2020, May 26). When dieting doesn’t work. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/when-dieting-doesnt-work-2020052519889 Teich, J. (2021, September 22). The Unbearable Weight of Diet Culture. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a35036808/what-is-diet-culture/ Thomas, A. (2022, April 19). Dangers of Diet Culture. Norman Regional Health System. https://www.normanregional.com/blog/dangers-of-diet-culture Thorne, R. (2022, September 14). Everything You Need to Know About Disordered Eating, According to Experts. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/disordered-eating-vs-eating-disorder STUCK IN YOUR HEAD Breen, K. (2023, January 26). FDA joins international investigation into contaminated cough syrups that have killed over 300 children. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-international-investigationcontaminated-cough-syrups-killed-over-300-children/ Kanluan, P. (2020, April 22). Can’t Shake Off an Earworm? Samitivej Hospitals. https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/article/detail/stuck-song-syndrome Pappas, S. (2017, March 5). Why Do Songs Get Stuck in Your Head? livescience.com. https://www.livescience.com/58120-why-songs-get-stuck-in-head.html Why Do Songs Get Stuck in My Head? (2019, July 8). NowThis News. https://nowthisnews.com/videos/future/why-do-songs-get-stuck-in-my-head the ATTENTION SPAN “The Causes Of A Short Attention Span And How To Improve It?” The Brain Workshop, https://www.thebrainworkshop.com/blog/what-are-the-causes-of-a-short-attention-span-and-how-can-iimprove-it/. Accessed 12 February 2023. McSpadden, Kevin. “You Now Have a Shorter Attention Span Than a Goldfish.” TIME, 14 May 2015, https://time.com/3858309/attention-spans-goldfish/. Accessed 12 February 2023.

References for lifestyle Shamrock Cookies https://www.mccormick.com/recipes/dessert/shamrock-sugar-cookies

What Causes Acne? Huizen, J. (2022, June 27). Pimple types: 6 types of acne. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322322

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