By Olivia Shamah Junior Editor
Select freshmen and sophomores get weekly class on executive functioning Seminar leaves the Berkeley
This year’s freshman, sophomore, and junior seminars will all be held at the Delta Marriott Hotel in Woodbridge, NJ, instead of the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, NJ, Rabbi Besser confirmed. Senior seminar will be at a new venue as well, in Piscataway, NJ.
With few exceptions, Flatbush’s seminars have been held at the Berkeley for the last 35 years. The Berkeley is a special place for many students who have had unforgettable experiences and created lifelong memories there. An overwhelming portion of the student body is worried that seminar at the Delta Marriott will not have the same energy that it had at the Berkeley.
Flatbush seminars, which is why they want to keep their weekends open for events that are more profitable for the hotel. This doesn’t leave room in the equation for Flatbush seminars, so the administration was left with no choice but to look for a new hotel.
The Delta Marriott was chosen because it is the right size for Flatbush’s needs, is economically viable, and is closer to Brooklyn than the Berkeley, Rabbi Besser explained.
“Seminar won’t feel the same,” expressed an anonymous junior. “The Berkeley was Flatbush’s second home.”
This change came as a shock to students, and many students have been
wondering why Flatbush would move the location of seminar after so many years in the same hotel. Rabbi Besser, who has organized seminar for many years, explained that the people running the Berkeley “want weddings and events; not seminars.”
Rabbi Besser explained that as the Berkeley Hotel expands, they prefer to host larger events, like weddings and conventions, that gather more revenue than
Regarding the largely negative student response, Rabbi Besser isn’t concerned with the experience not measuring up to past seminars. While the Berkeley is a seminar tradition, he believes that the students make the seminar, not the place. Even though seminar isn’t being held in the same location this year, the responsibility is on the students to make sure that seminar at the Delta Marriott will be just as memorable as seminar at the Berkeley.
“I think they’re going to have a great time,” Rabbi Besser shared.
How are local yeshivot handling student cell phones?
By Samantha Ryba Editor-in-Chief
This summer, bestselling book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt had many parents and schools across the country rethinking the way they handle cell phones. The administration at Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School has decided to continue the policy implemented last year: students are required to place their phones in designated pockets during each class period but are allowed to use them between classes and during lunch. However, principals confirmed that they are still considering banning phones entirely.
Meanwhile, different schools have adopted varying policies with differing levels of restriction. At Magen David Yeshiva, students start their school day by placing their phones in locked boxes that can only be accessed during lunch. Most students have reluctantly adapted to this rule, they still find it frustrating not to
have access to their phones between periods, as it makes it difficult to contact others, even for important matters. Whether they need to reach their parents or submit an assignment during school hours, they are unable to do so unless permitted by the administration.
At Ilan High School in Deal, a similar policy is in place: students store their phones in assigned lockers that remain locked and inaccessible throughout the day. Any student caught with their phone, except during lunch, is promptly sent home. The school does not count the phones each morning; it relies on the honesty of the students. Initially, this rule received negative feedback but, over time, many Ilan students have come to appreciate the rule and feel that distancing themselves from their phones has brought them closer as a community. Ultimately, students at Ilan are grateful that these policies are in place.
This sentiment is not shared at YDE School for Boys, where many students
find the phone policies intrusive. Like Yeshivah of Flatbush, students at YDE are required to store their phones during class, but the school takes it a step further by tagging the phones and giving certain faculty members access to data stored on the phones. This enables the administration to block social media apps and various websites that they disapprove of, which many YDE students find overbearing. While the intent behind the policy is positive, it has been met with dissatisfaction.
By Raquel Gindi Features Editor
Select freshmen and sophomores have been placed in a pilot executive functioning class called “WIN” periods once a week created by the Guidance department this semester.
Guidance counselor Ms. Shoshana Mayer said that they created this class because they believe that every student is “capable of being successful.”
The goal of this period is to help students who could use extra help with note taking, organization skills, time management, etc., as these skills are necessary for scholastic success but do not come naturally to everyone. The Guidance department hopes that, with these WIN (What I Need) periods, students will be able to be more successful in the skills they struggle with.
They decided to create this class because students who wanted help academically were often going to Guidance for help, but often had to miss class to do so. This in fact defeated the whole purpose of the Guidance meeting. “So now the WIN periods are built into their schedule so that they lose nothing and only can benefit from it,” said Ms. Mayer.
The WIN period is in place of one of the students’ Halakhah periods each week. During these periods, they will either have a full class discussion with a Guidance teacher or they will have a period in which they branch out into small groups and help each other out. Every week, each class is focused around a different topic or skill.
Sophomore Barbara Gindi stated, “I only had an intro to the class and meeting your mentors so far because of the Club Fair, but from what I heard, I felt like it was going to be very helpful to me this year.”
Ms. Mayer said that the class will be a test run for this semester and the department will decide from there whether it is successful enough to continue throughout the rest of the school year.
A Student Publication of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School • 1609 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York • Vol
At Ilan, phones stay in locked boxes all day
Three seminars this year will be at the Delta Marriott
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Longer periods lead to a better experience
By Yvette Dweck Junior Editor
Teachers don’t rush, learning is interactive, days feel shorter, and lunch is longer because of the new 46-minute periods. With fewer classes to count down, school days feel shorter.
Junior Leslie Mishan said, “After Mincha this year, I can tell myself I only have two classes left until I can go home. Last year, I had to sit through four different classes after Mincha until I could go home. It felt like dismissal was always miles away.”
Since classes were only thirty-nine minutes last year, there were three more classes a day last year than there are this year. Students had to keep track and make it to all their different classes on schedule thirteen times a day. Senior Freida Novick explained, “Last year, we had too many classes for too little time each, while this year the amount of classes we have a day isn’t overwhelming.”
In addition, students don’t have to carry around as many books this year. Especially for juniors and seniors who can’t go to their lockers in “the dungeon” between every class, having longer and fewer classes a day allows them to carry fewer books around. “It feels like a weight was lifted off of my back, literally,” said sophomore
Vera Esses.
Since teachers have much more time in one period, they aren’t rushing to finish material like they were last year. Teachers are taking their time, trying new things, and opening the class up to more discussion.
Junior Kelly Ftiha explained, “Teachers are teaching but also allowing students to discuss what we are learning. We have time for class discussions to analyze what we are learning or even help our classmates understand things.”
One of the most prominent benefits of having longer periods is having a longer lunch. Students have time to walk more and try new restaurants, diversifying their diets. They also have time to do schoolwork during lunch.
Junior Barbara Chehebar said, “I have time to try different restaurants instead of eating the same lunches on rotation. I even have time to finish some work at the end of lunch. It gives me a much-needed break.”
Longer periods are exhausting
By Olivia Shamah Junior Editor
Picture this: it’s the last period of the day. You’re tired, you’re bored, and you want to go home. You glance at the clock, and somehow, even though it feels like you’ve been sitting there forever, you’re only 30 minutes into class. The worst part is, there are 16 minutes left!
If you told this scenario to any student last year, it would sound like a nightmare, but this is real life for Flatbush students. Needless to say, the periods in the new schedule are far too long to be sitting at a desk. A seven-minute increase may not sound like a lot, but in comparison to the 39-minute periods last year, it’s about an 18 percent increase. That’s 18 percent more waiting for the bell to ring after a long day, 18 percent more listening to
By Leah Katash Entertainment Editor
In fourth grade, Ms. Lisa Rothstein read more books than she ever had in a single year. She sat in the back corner of her classroom, hoping the book she held in her hands would be an escape route from extreme boredom. Ms. Rothstein was academically ahead of most of her peers and, unfortunately, her teacher wasn’t experienced enough to manage students who were on different levels. She’d often ask Ms. Rothstein to sit out in the hallway and teach her classmates how to read. It was there that Ms. Rothstein realized she was destined to be a teacher. While she remained consistent in her journey to being a teacher, Ms. Rothstein needed a change from her environment. She loved being a native New Yorker, though she felt that living in Manhattan her entire life wouldn’t equip her with the tools necessary to navigate the outside world. She craved new experiences and decided she would leave home for college. Rothstein attended the University of Chicago, where she studied English for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. During this time, she began tutoring and preparing students for standardized tests
your most boring teacher drone on about something you’re not even remotely interested in, and 18 percent more wishing you were in your bed instead of sitting in a classroom.
Forty-six minutes is just too long to be in a class without a break, and that’s without even factoring in our attention spans. In a period that long, a teenager is bound to stop paying attention at some point. It’s just not rational to have periods that long when it’s inevitably going to end up backfiring because of kids getting bored and losing interest or stopping to pay attention, not to mention that there is actually less total class time in a lot of classes because most are one period less per week than they were last year. There was nothing wrong with 39-minute periods from last year, so why did they have to change it?
like the LSAT and SAT, giving her experience teaching subjects other than English.
Ms. Rothstein is a teacher to all. She’s taught fellow teachers, graduate students, high schoolers, and fifth graders. However, after moving to Queens, Ms. Rothstein decided to commit to teaching full-time at YU’s Central High School, where she taught for 21 years. Eventually, she once again felt the need for change, which led her to Flatbush. Flatbush became thae first co-ed school she has taught, presenting a different dynamic from her previous experiences. Additionally, adapting to the school’s size, particularly on days when she had to travel between buildings, became her biggest adjustment.
In the classroom, Ms. Rothstein doesn’t like to stick to one, single teaching approach. She enjoys holding classroom discussions, and strongly encourages questions. She tailors each lesson according to what she believes would be “ideal” for each class. Most important, she hopes to provide a “combination of productive and entertaining surprise” in the classroom. Unlike many teachers, Ms. Rothstein enjoys grading. She views it as a valuable tool to better understand her students so that she can teach them appropriately.
Ms. Rothstein was always a bookworm. She was actively involved in her high school’s literary journal and participated in book clubs. Ms. Rothstein expresses a great love for literature. She’s read innumerable books, as she finds it is easy to just fall in love with the words within the pages. When asked what her favorite book was, she responded, “That’s like asking a mother to pick her favorite child!”
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Ms. Esther Hidary, Associate Principal
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Faculty Freshman: Ms. Rothstein
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Students adjust to quirks of new lunch schedule
By Sylvia Saad Editor-In-Chief
Lunch periods now vary for each homeroom within the same grade because of adjustments in the school’s schedule and period lengths. First lunch is no longer for all upperclassmen and second lunch for underclassmen; rather, each lunch period is for a selection of classes from all grades that varies every day.
The number of periods per day has changed this year, so to accommodate this change, lunch scheduling needed to be altered. Rabbi Galpert said he does not think the change is so significant, since there are still some days with the full grade at lunch at the same time. “Sophmores have lunch together Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, while juniors have Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday together. Seniors have always had different lunches, but are together on Wednesdays and Fridays. Most grades don’t even feel the effects the majority of the week,” he commented.
Nonetheless, many students are not happy with the current circumstances.
Estee Yazdi, a senior, is disappointed that she cannot spend her lunch periods with friends in different homeroom classes in her last year of high school. “My senior year doesn’t feel like it should since some days we have no other senior classes with us at lunch. I feel deprived of the full experience I have been looking forward to for three years,” she said.
On the other hand, an anonymous sophomore likes the new lunch schedule better. “I get to see my friends who are upperclassmen now. Last year I could only see them at breakfast or during the school day, so seeing them during lunch some days is great.”
While all other grades feel the brunt of the change, freshmen have lunch with their full grade every day. “Freshmen have lunch together for the same reason they are not allowed to go out for lunch: we want them to make friends within school,” Rabbi Galpert said.
As construction continues, what is still being built?
By Sylvia Mizrahi Sophomore Editor
Over the Summer, much progress has been made toward the completion of the school’s construction, but the journey is still not complete, with parts of the first floor and basement still boarded up as workers race to finish the job.
As many have noticed, the renovations of the classrooms are basically done, with new lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows in all of the rooms as well as the upgraded heating and air conditioning system. Rabbi David Galpert explained that, out of all the new additions to our school, “I think that the bright classrooms and staircases, as well as the temperature control, are really going to enhance the student experience the most.”
Those staircases, however, are still a work in progress, as is the façade of the building, which is still wrapped in scaffolding and protective paper.
Additionally, one of the latest changes to our school are the new doors to the main office. Rabbi Galpert explained that these doors have been installed to implement a working environment and as a security feature. However, the doors have been constructed with glass to ensure that the main office is still an inviting and welcoming space.
On the third floor, the science labs have now reopened and been organized once again into bio labs, chem labs, and physics labs. Mrs. Binah Freedman, the head of the science department, shared, “We now have easy access to our models, our lab technology, and equipment. I’m also looking forward to our experiments using our new open spaces.”
Furthermore, the new Pathfinders and College Guidance offices on the first
floor have finally been completed. As the Pathfinders department started to grow and continued collaborating with College Guidance, they needed space to expand beyond their old one-room office. The two departments chose to work together in a shared space where members of both departments advise students on their future. Ms. Doris Anteby and Ms. Emily Anteby shared their excitement for their new office space with College Guidance. They both agreed, “We love when students come in to ask questions about extracurriculars and internships and then they are able to ask College Guidance questions on how something can benefit them for college.”
Right next door to the Pathfinders and College Guidance offices, a new secondary beit midrash, along with a new coat room, are being built. The ongoing work in the basement is mainly to create a team room and an athletics director’s office. All plans are scheduled to be completed by the end of this school year, the administration confirmed.
School shootings again raise questions over safety and rising gun violence
By Victor Shemia World News Editor
Within the opening weeks of school throughout the country, several shootings have already taken place, setting a grim start to the school year.
On September 4, the first day for Flatbush students, a shooting at a high school in Georgia killed four people and hospitalized nine more. That same week, a shooting in a school bathroom in Maryland ended with a student being fatally shot in the chest.
The school shooting epidemic has grown considerably since the 1990s, holding America in a chokehold of fear and tragedy. By September 6, a whopping 46 school shootings had taken place, leaving families shattered and communities broken. Horrific events such as these cause glaring questions to be raised: “Why does this keep happening?” and “What could be done to prevent this?”
Many point to the direct correlation
between shooters and their easy access to getting firearms. This holds especially true for Colt Gray, the shooter at Georgia’s Apalachee High School. The gun that was used in the shooting was an AR-15, given to him by his father as a Christmas gift the previous year. Prior to the shooting, Gray had been investigated by law enforcement for making threats to the school, but was not arrested and still executed his chilling plan. This was also the case with the shooting in Maryland, as that shooter had a history with law enforcement as well.
A study conducted by John Hopkins University found that access to firearms in a home leads to increased risk in “homicide victimization.”
The fact that the shooter brought his firearm from home led to the call for tougher gun control legislation. States such as Georgia are relatively relaxed when it comes to gun control, as they do not require any universal background checks, or have gun storage laws, nor “red flag” precautions. Gun control proponents
have called for stricter enforcement on who can acquire a firearm through background checks, along with bans on military-grade rifles in the hands of civilians.
The opposing argument sees school shootings as more of a mental health issue, as in many signs of mental instability were apparent in school shooters.
Additionally, there are many Americans who interpret the Second Amendment to mean that any restrictions on gun ownership is a violation of the Constitution.
The lack of meaningful security at schools across the country is also subject to blame. Both shooters managed to bring
their firearms in backpacks into the school without any friction from security staff. In Apalachee High School, there are no metal detectors, so Gray was able to conceal his gun as a school project. Many believe that stronger security could have prevented these deplorable tragedies from occurring.
There are many differing opinions on how to better the security of schools, with some demanding more funding for school security as a whole, while others believe that armed guards or police should be present. This summer, Tennessee and Iowa joined a growing list of states that have passed laws allowing teachers to carry guns in schools.
Across from Pathfinders, construction continues on a secondary beit midrash and a coat room
Mourners (left) gather outside of Apalachee High School (right)
As students enjoy lunch under the pergola, some of their friends have class
Google faces federal scrutiny over alleged market monopoly
By Emily Tarrab Business Editor
This September, Google continues to battle head to head with the U.S. government in their trial against the monopolistic use of Google Ad Manager, an application that auctions off ads that appear on various web pages users visit.
This is Google’s second antitrust trial in 2024, having lost the first one in August regarding allegations of illegally acquiring a trust in the online search engine business. The government’s leading trial lawyer, Julia Tarver Wood, clarified that “Google is not here because they are big” and that instead, “they are here because they used that size to crush competition.”
In 2008, Google bought out DoubleClick, an internet ad server and management service, and rebranded it as Google Ad Manager. Ad Manager now owns a staggering 87% market share in online ads, similar to the Department of Justice’s claim during the first trial that Google Search makes up 90% of all web searches. To maintain this dominance, Google pays billions annually to ensure their search engine is the default option for Apple’s Safari browser and Mozilla’s Firefox. If they
lose this trial, the DOJ could force the tech giant to sell their ad service, which previously accounted for nearly 1/10 of their overall revenue, or $31 billion of last year’s revenue.
Federal lawyers assert that Google uses their size and power to manipulate market prices, which then provides them with sufficient profit to spend on developing its search engine while simultaneously dominating the ad management business. Google’s lead lawyer, Karen Dunn, argues that other big tech companies, such as Amazon and Meta, have similar control over the ad market, and that consumers have many options. Google proceeds to point out that the government’s case focuses too narrowly on desktop banner and display ads, ignoring the significant rise of mobile and social media ads, which is controlled by companies like TikTok and Meta. Google will continue to advocate for their innocence over the next few weeks until a verdict is reached, while Google’s parent company, Alphabet, is still awaiting the judge’s conclusion regarding their search engine monopoly case, nervously anticipating the possibility of drastic consequences.
AI deciphers clicks between sperm whales, revealing an alphabet
By Victor Shemia World News Editor
The sounds that whales make to communicate with each other may be more sophisticated than previously believed, as scientists have recently used AI to help them decipher those sounds and discover that sperm whales communicate with their own phonetic alphabet. After almost 20 years of studying one specific whale population in the Caribbean, researchers from the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative) announced their discovery in May.
For as long as they have been studied, sperm whales have remained an elusive species to understand. With the majority of their lives spent in the depths of the ocean (with a diving capacity of 3,300 feet), researchers have only been able to study them when they are close enough to surface level. This has caused many gaps in our knowledge of the sea giants, as much of our understanding is gathered by the glimpses captured at the surface.
Similar to humans, sperm whales are social creatures, and heavily
D’var Torah: What does “Choose
life” really mean?
By Katie Hidary Religion Editor
In Parashat Nitzavim, Moshe gathers all of Bnei Yisrael to renew the Brit between them and Hashem during his final days of life. He wants every member of Am Yisrael, from the men, the women, the old, the young, leaders of the nation, to the common man, to feel a part of this experience. Each one is to be bound by this covenant. Moshe wants to remind the people of the importance of choosing a life of Torah.
Moshe makes it abundantly clear that this Brit does not only apply to the current generation entering Israel:
“choose life” rather than death; but isn’t this obvious? Why would anyone choose death? Moshe does not mean life or death literally; rather he means a world of Torah will yield a life of prosperity versus a life of misery. The Brit states that Bnei Yisrael must stay an Am Kadosh. By following a life of Torah and mitzvot, we are doing good for the world and shining a Jewish light. When we act and behave righteously, we create a better world for our kids and generations to come. That is the way we choose life.
If all Jews continue to follow the Torah and keep the brit we have with Hashem, we can strengthen the world and continue to make it a better place.
The Torah is realistic and knows that some will choose the path of “
rely on one another. They are often found in “matriarchal groups,” and are believed to have complex, multi level relationships within their social groups. With this being said, species that have humanlike social behaviors tend to follow the “social complexity hypothesis,” meaning that species with complex social functions need the ability to have complex communication as well. This is where researchers became puzzled with sperm whales, as all that could be heard between them were sequences of clicking sounds, also referred to as codas. From using it as echolocation against prey to speaking between themselves, the codas were being heard constantly, and researchers suspected that there was something beyond their appearance of simplicity.
Finally, a breakthrough was announced in May by CSAIL and Project CETI. Stationed in the Caribbean island of Dominica since 2005, the crew studied the sperm whale population of
Rather, Jews of future generations are bound by the Brit. Moshe conveys to Bnei Yisrael that by upholding the covenant, they are choosing the path of life. On the other hand, turning away from the Torah and the laws of Hashem signifies choosing the path of death. Moshe urges them to
the surrounding area, which totaled nearly 400 whales. The whole operation included a plethora of technology, including deep-sea microphones and GPS-based location trackers.
The data retrieved was nothing short of extraordinary, including around 9,000 different recordings of the whales’ codas. With so much material, AI was able to pick up the fact that the sequences of codas aren’t limited to a specific order; rather, they found more than “156 varying sequences of codas.” These variations in codas were mostly found in the change in speed between the clicks, suggesting emphasis when they communicated. This
”. In Perek ל, when the choices are put forth, the back door is open for redemption. The Perek is anchored by a mila manha, or a recurring shoresh. This shoresh is none other than ב.וְ.ש., the shoresh of the word teshuvah, which is the process that allows us to repent to God. As Rosh Hashanah approaches we should reflect on how we can improve. We should strive to be the people Hashem always hoped we could become, and try to improve the world one step at a time.
raises the possibility that the whales may have a “phonetic alphabet,” meaning that the coda sequences actually create phrases and communication similarly found in humans.
It is worth noting that they are relatively fresh, and therefore could possibly be misinterpreted. The research has not yet led to the translation of these codas, so scientists still don’t have any ideas as to what these whales could possibly be saying to one another. Yet, this doesn’t take away from the fact that these discoveries are monumental steps forward to understanding the enigmatic sperm whales, and the ocean as a whole.
Entertainment Instagram Reels becoming more popular than TikTok
By Olivia Shamayeva Junior Editor
When first introduced, Instagram Reels inspired little excitement for many users, especially those who spent time on TikTok. However, this did not last long, as Instagram Reels quickly rose in popularity, attracting users of various age groups.
During the pandemic, TikTok took the world by storm and revolutionized the culture of social media. It captured the attention of many Gen-Z viewers, becoming the go-to place to scroll through when bored. After Reels were introduced on Instagram, many viewed it as Instagram’s attempt at catching up to TikTok, and it mostly appealed to older audiences. However, this perspective changed as Reels became more intriguing to a variety of age groups.
ly think that Instagram reels are becoming better than TikTok because they are more interactive and the algorithm knows what reels to give you, which makes it more personalized and entertaining. In a way it’s becoming the new TikTok.” Other students shared similar responses.
Reels also appear to be more convenient due to the variety of features on Instagram. While someone is scrolling through Reels, they can also be looking through their feed, accessing chats and calls, or posting on their stories and profile.
Tate McRae leads new generation of pop stars
By Yvette Dweck Junior Editor
Many Flatbush students now say they spend at least as much time on Reels as on TikTok. An anonymous sophomore boy stated, “I used to think that Instagram was boring and you couldn’t do much on it, but after they added Reels, it became just like scrolling through TikTok.”
Junior Margie Souid stated, “I honest-
“I use Instagram so much more now because I have everything in one place,” junior Fortune Khabih explained. “I also like reels because whenever I see a relatable reel that another one of my followers liked, it makes me feel so much better knowing that I’m not the only one who thinks like this or feels the same way, and it’s so much more comforting.” Additionally, Instagram Reels seem to be more censored than regular TikToks, which allow users to engage in content more comfortably.
Although TikTok still remains as an integral part of social media culture, the culture appears to be shifting in Instagram’s favor.
Old 2000s artists are being pushed aside to make room for the new generation of pop stars. This year, the number of new artists achieving a spot in the Spotify Global Top 50 has reached an alltime high. Singers like Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, Benson Boone, and Gracie Abrams are consid ered the new Gen-Z pop stars, leaving stars like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Jenifer Lopez in the past.
she continued to incorporate her dancing skills at her concerts and in her music videos. This set her apart from other artists and differentiates her performance style. At McRae’s recent concert in New York, instead of using her usual handheld microphone, she opted for a headset microphone, reminiscent of Britney Spears’s iconic performances. Many are starting to compare the two and are calling McRae the new Spears. Just like Spears, McRae combines her singing and dancing skills, creating viral, iconic songs and dances to go with them. McRae even admitted to being inspired by Britney Spears.
10 cozy movies and shows to watch this fall
By Emme Nidam Junior Editor
With changing leaves and crisp air comes a sense of renewal and warmth. There is no better time than fall to start watching movies and TV shows that perfectly capture the essence of the season. Whether you prefer heartfelt romances, spooky stories, or coming-of-age tales, these selections have something for everyone.
Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls is the ultimate show to start watching just as the school year begins and along with it, the fall season. The show follows the relationship between a single mother and her precocious teenage daughter who attends a prestigious private school. It’s set in the small knit town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, which captures the beauty of a Northeastern fall. The show manages to create a cozy and trusting atmosphere as quickly as in the first episode.
Dead Poets Society
Dead Poets Society is a touching movie about an unorthodox English teacher (Robin Williams) who has a major impact on his students at an all-boys boarding school in Vermont. The beauty in the movie lies not only in the changing leaves of fall, but in the evocative scenes of the
film. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be inspired.
Good Will Hunting
This Academy Award-winning film is the story of a genius who works as a janitor at MIT. Will Hunting (Matt Damon), the janitor, struggles to reconcile with his past and reach his full potential. The movie is set against the backdrop of a cozy Boston autumn. The evolution of his character is represented in the dramatic changes in the fall seasons.
The Vampire Diaries
The Vampire Diaries is one of the less comforting shows on this list. It offers viewers with a more thrilling and suspenseful watching experience. The supernatural drama about vampires has a dark, moody atmosphere which pairs well the “spooky vibes” of fall.
Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus takes viewers through a tale of resurrected witches from the Salem Witch trials. The mischievous witches cause trouble on Halloween night. Its eerie and comedic charm perfectly captures the essence of fall. Funny and spooky at the same time, it might force you to laugh from under your cozy covers.
When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally is an iconic fall rom-com. The story follows the epic love story of Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally
One of the main reasons for this resurgence of new stars is TikTok, a popular social media app among Gen Z. Artists can publicize their songs and share their work with an expansive audience. Some of these songs go viral and enable the artist to build a brand. One of the most prominent examples of this is Benson Boone and his award winning music. Boone teased his first song, “Ghost Town,” on TikTok and instantly went viral for his vocals and lyrics. As a result of his new popularity, Boone was invited on American Idol, where he performed Ghost Town and received a record deal.
Tate McRae gained popularity at 13 when she was the first Canadian finalist on So You Think You Can Dance. Soon after, she went viral on YouTube for her singing. When McRae eventually signed with a label, she ensured that she should continue dancing even with her singing career taking off. After McRae’s song “You Broke Me First” made her an online sensation, she eventually got the opportunity to go on a sold-out, worldwide tour. Although McRae stopped dancing professionally,
(Meg Ryan) as they meet, hate each other, become good friends, and develop feelings. The evolution of their relationship is seen throughout multiple seasons, but nothing beats that iconic scene of them walking through Central Park on a crisp day in fall.
Little Women (2019)
Based on the classic coming-of-age novel, Little Women tells the story of four sisters during the Civil War. It follows the sisters’ lives as they mature from adolescence to adulthood, similarly to the changing of seasons. This spirited and warm film is the perfect movie to watch this fall by the fire with your closest friends.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
While some older pop stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé continue to stay relevant by releasing new albums, more older stars are losing relevance. Jennifer Lopez was planning to go on tour this summer but, after performing at a few shows, she unexpectedly canceled the rest of her tour. Lopez explained that the tour was canceled because she needed to spend more time with her family, but many speculated that it was because of her poor ticket sales. As dates of her concerts got closer, ticket prices dropped significantly, with the cheapest ticket being about $50. Videos online showcase an almost empty audience as Lopez performs.
As this new generation of singers grow in popularity, they owe a lot of their credit to millennial pop stars. Many of the new emerging singers, such as Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, and Benson Boone, even increased their prominence by opening for Taylor Swift. As we see this surge, we must ask the question: can the original 2000s pop stars stay relevant in this resurgence of pop music?
This magical film of a young wizard is vastly different from any other film on this list. The enchanting story takes viewers on an extraordinary adventure. Its festive, autumnal elements throughout the movie make it the ideal movie to watch this sea-
son, allowing you to feel as if you are right there with Harry, Ron and Hermione as they battle evil forces.
Stepmom
As we say goodbye to the season of summer, we experience feelings of heartache. If you are in need of a good cry, Stepmom is a must-watch. This heartbreaking movie about a terminally-ill mother (Susan Sarandon), her children, and their new stepmother (Julia Roberts) fits perfectly with the melancholy mood of the season.
You’ve Got Mail
You’ve Got Mail is the perfect romantic comedy for book and fall lovers alike. Two rival bookstore owners (Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks) unknowingly fall in love through an anonymous internet romance. The film takes place during a beautiful New York fall, creating a beautiful setting for romance to occur. It is one of the best fall movies for a comforting and nostalgic night.
Ask Merle
Hi Merle,
How do I choose which clubs I want to be in without signing up for too many and getting overwhelmed?
Scared Freshman
Hi, Freshman,
I know in the beginning of the year picking your extracurricular activities can be super stressful but my best piece of advice would be to do what you truly want to. It never hurts to try something out and see if you like it, and luckily there is a drop week so there’s no pressure to commit to
Fun & Games
anything. Try out what you seem interested in and stay in the few you enjoyed most that fit in your schedule.
Enjoy, Merle
Hey Merle, I’m so annoyed I have to take physics— every other grade got to choose two electives but now we just get one!
Physics-Hating Junior
Hey, Hater!
As someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy physics class either, I feel bad that your whole grade has to take it. But, while I hate to be that person, it really is for your own good. So many colleges require physics on your transcript even if it’s not “required.” And at least you’re not a senior in physics! You don’t wanna be cramming it into your senior year sched-
Teacher Trivia
By Margaux Lincer Fun and Games Editor
ule because you need it for col-
Sorry, Merle
Merle!
I’m so stressed about college applications! My first one is due November 1 and I don’t even have an essay idea! I thought senior year was stress free.
Stressed Senior
Stressed, I’m stressed out for you. College applications are probably the most stressful time of your entire high school career. But think of all the work you’ve already done for your application! Three years of good grades, extracurricular activities, and chesed hours to get where you are right now. And the only thing standing in your way is just a little 500-word essay! And as College Guidance loves to say: “It’s not about what you write, but how you write it.” I have no doubt that you will write a great college essay and will finish in time.
Good luck, Merle.
I used to bike down a hill very fast to hit a fence just to see how far I’d fly over it
I take a bus and two trains one tunnel and a bridge to get to work everyday
My married name and my maiden name are the same
I can name all seven dwarves in under five seconds
I was the High School JV and Varsity soccer coach
I stole a goalpost in college I grew up in Deal
Dear Merle, My seniors keep cutting class! What can I do?
Anonymous teacher
Dear Teacher, Oh honey, it’s only September. You ain’t seen nothing yet. The senioritis will hit you— next thing you know, your name will be all over the teachers absent list. Condolences, Merle
Flatbush Cartoon
By Jacqueline Tebele Phoenix Cartoonist
Standard of Fabulous
Fashion gets political Fall fashion: Following microtrends vs. closet staples
By Rachael Kopylov Fashion Editor
The fashion industry has been very politically active, whether it be brands, magazines, or designers voicing their opinions. With one of the most intense elections approaching, many businesses, celebrities, and people of influence have been showing their support for policies and endorsing candidates.
Like all other industries, the fashion industry is impacted by certain geopolitical and economic policies that are decided by the government. In his current campaign for office, former President Donald Trump has pledged to raise tariffs, which could disrupt supply chains and increase production expenses for fashion companies.
During Trump’s presidency, America engaged in a tariff war with China, meaning businesses had to pay a tax to import goods from China.
Many fashion houses, including Gucci, Dior, and Burberry, do at least some of their garment manufacturing in China. If high tariffs were to be levied, brands would have to either relocate production facilities to places with more affordable tariffs or raise the prices on their products.
Every election year, starting from the August issue, Vogue is littered with Democratic campaign ads and articles that explicitly state their support for the Democratic candidate. To kick off this year’s fashion week, Vogue partnered with the
Council of Fashion Designers of America for a march called “Fashion For Our Future” to encourage Americans to vote, featuring First Lady Dr. Jill Biden as a surprise keynote speaker. This August, the cover and feature article of the magazine was Dr. Biden, who also was the guest of honor at Ralph Lauren’s Fashion Week show. Sixteen of America’s top fashion designers have partnered with the Democratic presidential campaign to release a collection ranging from apparel to accessories in order to rally voters for the Democratic campaign and spread Vice President Kamala Harris’s message. The collection features designers including Tory Burch, Vera Wang, and Thom Browne. Five of the designers were new to presidential campaign merchandise.
The fashion industry as a whole, including brands and magazines, tends to be very vocally left-leaning, in conjunction with its target audience: Gen Z and millennial women. Right now, America is politically polarized, and many consumers look at companies to see if they support their ideas and values. This influences a consumer’s perception of a company and whether they will continue to buy from them.
The fashion industry and the American political landscape have always gone hand in hand, but with one of the most controversial elections happening soon, the results could impact the climate of the fashion world for years to come.
By Irene Cohen Fashion Editor
As fall settles in, fashion is bringing back many staple pieces that were prevalent in the 2010s, as well as debuting new styles.
One of the most prominent staple pieces making its return this fall is the trench coat. The traditional wool trench coat has already begun to make an appearance. Additionally, leather trench coats have become a coveted item for fall, adding a sleek and polished look to any outfit. A timeless piece like a trench coat is perfect for keeping you warm throughout the season. Retailers like Zara and Mango offer high quality trench coats both online and in store.
Another popular fall staple is anything brown. The neutral tone compliments any outfit and reflects the warm mood of the season. Brown easily pairs with colors like cream and burgundy, which are also extremely popular this fall. Brown has been featured in fall fashion through various items including sweaters, handbags, and shoes. In addition to these classic fashion
pieces, new trends are making their way into fall, one of them being suede. Whether it’s a suede jacket, boots or handbag, its rich and velvety texture adds sophistication to any outfit. This fall, suede in shades ranging from brown and taupe to forest green have been especially popular. Trends from 2010 also have been resurfacing in this fall’s fashion. Animal prints, most notably the leopard print, have made a significant comeback. The print adds a touch of character and vibrancy to any outfit. The print is no longer confined to specific pieces but has been seen on everything ranging from dresses to scarves. Its adaptability allows it to go with both casual and formal outfits offering numerous ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe.
Another emerging trend that has resurfaced is statement necklaces. Styles such as chunky necklaces seen in 2010 are making a comeback in new modern forms. Today these bold pieces are being worn everywhere. Jewelry ranging from personalized charm necklaces and chunky gold designs are extremely popular right now.
Dior’s new winter collection disappoints
By Lyla Ashkenazie Sophomore Editor
When people hear brand names like Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuiton, or Gucci, they immediately think of haute couture and revolutionary designs; however, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Recently, clothing lines are only getting more basic and repetitive.
The new Dior winter collection is a prime example of this phenomenon. The clothing is mainly neutral colors and nothing out of the ordinary. Despite the warm colors chosen for this collection, many fashion lovers feel that the styles are cold and bland, and the words “MISS DIOR” printed all over the clothing is just over the top and ridiculous. Dior is capitalizing on their brand recognition rather than actual design. The style is bland and lacks excitement, and fashion critics are
shocked and disappointed with the new line.
Fashion has become so monotone because some clothing lines are now actually striving to have basic collections instead of ones with more outgoing designs. Minimalist fashion culture has gone viral on social media and high end fashion brands are trying to appeal to their audience. Simple clothing items are most likely to be sold to consumers. They’re also looking to design simplistic clothing, because, in reality, it’s easier to make. Easy patterns and cuts on the clothing provides a cheaper and quicker way of
making collections. Dior’s new clothing line is lacking in the unique design department, and while fashion trendsetters
are beyond disappointed, they should expect more minimalist collections to come, as that’s become the new style.
Anna Wintour and Thom Browne, Chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America
Critics have called Dior's new line boring and even trashy
A fan’s guide to college football
By Elliot Cohen Junior Editor
As the college football season begins, excitement and anticipation continue to build. But who should you root for? With no big D1 schools in New York, most of us are college football fan “free agents” with the freedom to choose a team at will. The team you root for can say a lot about you, and it can affect you for years to come. As your CFB agent, I will help you find the right team to support for now or for the rest of your life.
The first thing to keep in mind is that, in the past, the college football playoff has been limited to four teams. This year, however, the format has changed to a 16team playoff bracket. This allows more teams to compete for the chance at glory. It also means that making the college football playoffs is not as big of a feat as it once was.
Additionally, it is important to note that the college football playoff, and the way the teams are determined, is interesting. Since there are about 134 teams in the NCAA, the playoff teams cannot be determined simply by record. A committee selects which teams deserve spots in the playoffs.
When looking for a team to love, many fans want immediate success. If you fall into that category, the team to pick this year would be the Texas Longhorns. With exciting play from projected top-10 NFL draft pick Quinn Ewers, and an exciting receiver in Isaiah Bond, Texas has bounced into a 2-0 record at the time this article was written. After a dominant 52-0 curb stomp over Colora-
do State, they came into a Week 2 game against the reigning CFB champions in Michigan. Texas absolutely blasted the Wolverines, beating them 31-12. The Longhorns defense shut down young Michigan QB Davis Warren, forcing two interceptions, as well as shutting down projected second-rounder Donovan Edwards in the running game. Additionally, Texas brought in freshman quarterback Arch Manning, nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning. Although a raw talent, many already assume that Manning will have a successful college and NFL career. This booming start has them set up for a great season. Pick them if you want immediate success, and a potential superstar in the making.
Many fans look to root for a team that is not only successful, but is intriguing to watch. If you are one of those fans, look no further than the Colorado Buffaloes. Let’s start with the coach. After a successful NFL (and Major League Baseball) career and then coaching at Jackson State, an HBCU, for some time, former star player Dion Sanders left to coach for Colorado. His two sons, Shilo and Shedur, joined the team with him. This family relationship on the field caused a Kardashianlike ef-
fect. There are a multitude of stories surrounding this family, and they have gained hype despite being part of a somewhat mediocre team. On the other hand, Coach Sanders also brought along twoway athlete Travis Hunter from Jackson State; Hunter plays both wide receiver and cornerback. His skill and pure athleticism have made him a household name, and a CFB superstar. Colorado had a big Week 1 win, in which Shedur threw for 445 yards and four touchdowns, while Hunter had 132 yards and three touchdowns. The Buffaloes then cooled down against underdog opponent Nebraska, losing 28-10, after being shut down offensively. Although they may not be the best team, their entertaining play style and movie-character-like players make the Buffs a team to look out for this CFB season.
Although a successful team historically, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have not been an elite team as of late. This season, however, the tides are turning. Led by viral internet sensation Dylan Riola, the Cornhuskers have jumped out to a 3-0 record, including an impressive win over the aforementioned Colorado. Riola is known all over the internet due to his uncannily similar look, playstyle, and mannerisms to two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. If you are looking for an underdog team for this College Football season, Nebraska is your squad.
And if you just want a team with a fun name, the Cornhuskers are still a good choice, or you could try the Purdue Boilermakers, the Southern Illinois Salukis, or the St. Louis Billikens.
Catton ready to step into leadership role
By Colette Chehova Sports Editor
Joseph Catton has been passionate about hockey since he started playing when he was seven. Now a senior, Catton is stepping into a leadership role on the Flatbush Falcons Hockey team, eager to guide and inspire.
began playing on a team in
Since then his
for
grew and he now plays both roller and ice hockey three to five times a week. His favorite part of the game is the passing and teamwork elements of the game. “My favorite goals are the ones where I set up my teammates or they set me up to score,” he said.
Mikal Bridges trade changes fortunes of both teams
By Eliana Ashurov Contributing Writer
Mikal Bridges, a top player on the Brooklyn Nets, was traded to the New York Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic, five firstround picks, and a few second round picks. Many Nets fans mourn the loss of one of their best players, while others believe that the surplus of draft picks can speed up a much-needed rebuilding of their team.
As the new season kicks off, Catton is ready to embrace the responsibilities that come with being a senior. He’s determined to help the underclassmen just like previous seniors have supported him. He believes this year the team has what it takes to win the championship. “Once we work and play together, I foresee us being a very difficult team to beat,” he said, excited for this season’s prospects of bringing Flatush the win.
Last year, the Falcons were considered the underdogs, but through perseverance and strong coaching from Coaches Mo and Joe, they were able to upset many top teams. Catton is aiming to do that again.
Catton is an ardent New York Rangers fan who is inspired by defenseman Adam Fox. Although Catton is a forward, he admires Fox’s court vision and control of the game. He tries to incorporate these elements into his own game. Catton looks forward to the success this year will hopefully bring.
Bridges will be the fourth player who attended Villanova to be joining the Knicks, which should enhance the harmony of the team. Despite Isaiah Hartenstein leaving the Knicks, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo did not hesitate to celebrate with Bridges after his trade, knowing that the new Knicks will have an increased chance in bringing home the championship or at least making a deep playoff run.
Stephen A. Smith was ecstatic after the trade. Smith said that five first-round picks is a steep price to pay, but he knows that Bridges “can score in the open court, he could finish at the basket, and most importantly, he is an elite defender.” Bridges is already close with most of the team, and Smith said, “I love what I am seeing and I am incredibly happy.”
In Brooklyn, Bridges had to focus on improving his offense to compete with other players for his spot. On the Knicks, he can go back to focusing on defense, the thing he does best. Bridges and OG Anunoby will be a powerful defensive duo, which can greatly increase their chances of making the playoffs. However, the health of the team, especially the return of Randle and Robinson, will be a major factor in determining the future of the Knicks.
Catton
Barkai Elementary School.
love
hockey