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Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections The Price of Reformation Elaine Ching Volume 5 Issue 4 April 8, 2025 To reform is to struggle. Power, Injustice, and Tyrants oppress and resist. But we must Labor, Suffer, and Sacrifice. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Interview with Mr. Lodato: Featured New Faculty Member Rehmat Kaur Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by Rehmat Kaur I had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Lodato, the new Special Education teacher, and learning more about his journey that led him to being a teacher here at North. Before he started teaching, he coached baseball for around 8 or 9 years. He worked with a teacher and recognized many similarities between coaching baseball between 13 and 18 and teaching. He felt strong at communicating, teaching, and being hands-on with his players, and after discussing with his coach, he stated, "I decided to go into teaching, and I'm very lucky that I did!” Mr. Lodato played college baseball for a short time, but he wanted to complete his studies first. Following that, he opted to pursue an undergraduate degree in Communications with a minor in English at SUNY Farmingdale. It started with Liberal Arts, then moved on to Communications and a lot of public speaking. After finishing his Bachelor's degree, he leaned toward Journalism and English. After deciding what he wanted to do, he went to Molloy University for a dual master's degree in English and Special Education. Mr. Lodato only heard positive things about North from Mr. Pandolfi, and he felt fortunate that his résumé was accepted and handed to Mrs. Vickse, who ended up interviewing him. " Here we are, and this place is great, I love it! " Mr. Lodato added. Currently he co-teaches two IST classes with special education students. He has a 10th grade IST class (Earth Science with Mr. Roveto) and an 11th grade IST class (English with Ms. Belbol) for individual skill development. He also finished his first season coaching Junior High Football in fall, coaches Varsity Girls Basketball in winter and will jump on board with Mr. Sanfilippo and Mr. Casella for Varsity Baseball Team in spring. What do you love most about teaching? “The connections that you make with the students. Everyone remembers, at least for me when I was in high school. You remember the teachers that you really liked or really did not have good experiences with, and I always try to remind myself of that and go on the side of being the one that kids do remember in a good way. It is important, especially in the age group of 14 to 18 the high school age when lots is going on and you are trying to figure out what you want to do in life, so it is important to have an adult figure point you in the right direction.” What characteristics do students want their teachers to possess? “Kindness, lead with kindness. I'm a big believer in first impressions, so especially as a new teacher I don’t want to come in, not that I'm like this anyway, but you don't want to come in with the grumpy face or being angry. As a substitute, I learned fast, I was a substitute teacher for the last two years at Island trees at Levittown. If you walk in with a bad attitude, the kids feed off that. I think their day takes a hit if you walk in with a bad attitude. So, I think kindness and positivity goes a long way as a teacher.” How was your first day or week here at North? “It was cool, I mean it was different, being in a different area you always have to take some time to adjust a little bit but I'm lucky that I have a special ed department that's so welcoming. There's so many of us and everyone has been super welcoming and nice and upfront. It also helps that I coached football guys over the summer. There were summer clinics, I knew some people already before the first day of school, I knew Mr. Casella, Coach P, and a couple of other football guys and I also knew Mr. Pandolfi like I said. Knowing people in the building, instead of just walking into a place without knowing anybody definitely helps.” His advice to cope with stress and to motivate students is to look at the bigger picture. It is easier to take steps little by little instead of having negative thoughts. “I try to motivate them to finish the task at hand, instead of just looking at the grand scheme of things” Mr. Lodato adds. Mr. Lodato shared this beautiful quote: “ Show me your friends and I’ll show you what kind of person you are” Mr. Lodato’s dad has told him since middle school, and it really resonated with him. He states that it is important to surround yourself with good people doing the right thing and are on the path of having a good life. Some fun facts about Mr. Lodato are that he enjoys sushi and that The Great Gatsby is his favorite novel. He read it in high school, and it is the book that stayed with him the most. Fall is his favorite season because “ football is on, it's hoodie season, and I associate fall with peace and relaxation." He also enjoys watching hockey, playing baseball, and reading autobiographies. Mr. Lodato is an exceptional individual with a lot of enthusiasm, and we are extremely fortunate to have him as a teacher here at North. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections Slum Gardens No. 3 By Joseph Norman February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: Charcoal on Wove Paper, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Back to Artwork Nostalgic Musings Back to Sections Frame within Frame By Shehar Bano February 10, 2022 Photography Volume 2 Issue 4

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections North Spring Sports Recap By John McCarthy Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Original photo by Michael Frazer It has been an exciting spring season for North athletics as we wind down to the end of the school year. All sports have been successful and some teams have done exceptionally well to find themselves in the playoff picture. Wrapping up the year in this final issue, we look back to the teams and their moments who made this shortened spring season a great summer send-off. Baseball The Varsity team has found a spot in the postseason with a key win over Plainedge on Monday June 7th after pre-game festivities honoring the late Spartan Club President Paul Kay and the team’s seniors. After starting off slow this season, the boys kept their spirits high, earning tight wins against Lynbrook, Floral Park, and Mineola. Moreover, varsity baseball swept their cross-town rivals from Valley Stream South with scores of 10-1 and 15-4. The boys look for more clutch moments as we arrive closer to the Conference 4 playoffs. Jack Lang has been the ace pitcher for the squad, being helped by clutch hitting and defense all season from Ryan Restivo, Andrew Lusterino, and freshman sensation Jimmy Strohlein. Michael Capolino and Luke Sibblies have also pitched very well overall, and the whole roster plays a role in making baseball at North memorable. Looking forward to playoffs, baseball wants to continue the legacy past teams have set by adding more playoff wins this season. Softball “North’s Girls Varsity Softball team, under the guidance of Dan Tronolone, continues their hard work as they head into their second playoff game against Mepham High School, after a 14-1 win against Manhasset High School. Starting pitcher, #8 Christina Ravo, Sophomore, has 58 strikeouts and 9 RBIs at the plate. Catcher, #15 Kayla Santo, Sophomore, batted .472 with 12 RBIs, 3 home runs, and 15 runs scored. She threw out 63% of runners who attempted to steal and picked off 5 base runners. Second basemen, #8 Emmy Saracino, Senior, has 9 RBIs. Starting shortstop, #10 Jillian Cosme, Senior, scored 9 runs and will be continuing her softball career at Queens College.” - Jillian Strojan, Class of 2021 Track and Field Track and Field has a great reputation at North for both boys and girls with banners covered with conference championships over the past two decades. With many athletes qualifying for All-County races and competitions which took place at North on Monday, Valley Stream North is about to wrap up another very successful year. While the boys finished league play with an astonishing record of 12-1, the girls had to outdo the boys finishing a perfect 13-0. Phenomenal athletes such as Ryan John and Thomas Siatsis won many events like the long jump, triple jump, and high jump for Ryan and long distance races for Thomas. As for the girls, Senior Danielle Phillip has not lost a race the entire season in events such as the 100m, 4X100m, and 200m! Accompanying Danielle, exceptional field athletes such as Sasha Smalls, And Oluwatobi Adebowale finished league play with amazing throws in the discus. Here, we have a statement from the aforementioned Sasha Smalls, part of North’s talented Senior Class, describing her reflection on her final North sports season. “The 2021 spring track and field season was bittersweet. I have to say of all the other sports I did this year (winter track and volleyball), the spring season was the most normal. We were fortunate to have spring track run during its normal months which was relieving; I can’t say I enjoyed wearing volleyball spandex in the middle of March. I enjoyed the usual warm weather and longer days that I associate with spring track but as a result of the pandemic, we were not allowed any invitational meets this year. Invitationals are by far my favorite part of competing for the track and field team. It’s an opportunity for a vast number of high schools to gather to improve their times, jumps, and throws without the competitiveness of a normal league meet. There’s a chance to win medals and buy a thrifty shirt to commemorate the experience. Although it wasn’t the most ideal senior season I can’t say I didn’t enjoy time spent with my team and especially all the underclassmen. I'm super sad to be leaving behind this year.” -Sasha Smalls, Class of 2021 Tennis Boys’ Tennis had an extremely successful season this year progressing into Nassau County’s playoffs and featuring two incredible juniors primed for an even better senior year. The boys finished 6-2 in league matches this season and Craig Papajohn-Shaw finished the season undefeated. He and fellow junior Daniel Ellis qualified and will compete in the individual Nassau County Championship at Eisenhower Park. Finally, the third athlete in the tennis Big Three, Everton Prospere, played great sets all throughout the year contributing to the great record the boys earned. Overall, the record for the team was good enough to place 2nd in Conference 3B, an impressive feat on its own. Badminton Coach Schiavo’s Badminton team has had an amazing season and the girls have fun while playing great badminton! Senior Victoria Ling and Junior Ayla Iqbal have placed well in singles matches all season to help rack up team wins for the North Badminton squad. Also, Seniors Erin St. Angelo and Caitlyn Coogan have contributed to the team’s success with doubles wins this season. This season of spring sports could not have been more fun for me, a part of the playoff bound Varsity Baseball team. I’m sure many other athletes feel the same. North has a great tradition of excellence in athletics and the students who make the school proud have fun doing it. High school sports bring out the best in an athlete and brings great moments, full of excitement and oy to the forefront. And don’t forget about racking up those W’s. Go Spartans! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Holiday Sweets By Christina Ossa Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Original photography by Christina Ossa As we continue settling into the New Year, it’s always a good idea to reflect on what made our year and the passing holiday season special. Holiday desserts are a pinnacle of Christmas for me since I bake many different desserts during every winter break for my family to enjoy. Even during a more underwhelming Christmas season (in my opinion at least), I looked forward to baking different varieties of holiday-themed cookies as well as pies and other desserts. Here, I’ll share a couple of my favorite recipes you can enjoy either in passing for the rest of this cold winter season. While these recipes are perfect for the holidays, you could also cook them on a rather cold winter day, or at your leisure when you’re in the mood for something sweet! Linzer Cookies: This recipe is one of, if not my favorite cookie recipes since you’d never be able to imagine the perfect combination sweet raspberry jam creates when spread atop a buttery Linzer cookie, sandwiched perfectly between another Linzer cookie. Also referred to as a Linzer Tart, this cookie is made with two components: 2 powdered sugar-coated cookies to be sandwiched atop of each other, holding a homemade raspberry jam in the middle. The cookie itself is almost like a sandwich, its size perfect for one-serving but that slight acidity from the lemons to the raspberry jam offsets the more sweet and rich flavor the cookie itself holds. This variation of Linzer tarts contains poppy seeds which set it apart from many other Linzer cookie recipes, which I find is a beautiful touch to the cookie. When you first bite into it, the cookie is buttery and soft, almost melting in your mouth, and the addition of poppy seeds gives the cookie an extra crunch that isn’t particularly necessary but adds to the overall flavor profile of the cookie. The dough lasts up to 2 weeks when kept in the refrigerator, and can even last 1-2 months if you choose to freeze it, making it a perfect cookie to make in passing for whenever you have a craving for something sweet. Linzer cookies are a perfect, less-complicated treat to enjoy and share with your family during the holidays, and you could even make for your friends to give them a small gift to show your appreciation for them if you can’t think of any gifts to give to them. Ingredients: Raspberry Jam : -2 cups (or 1 large package/2 small packages) raspberries -½ cup sugar -1 tsp lemon juice -3 tsp lemon zest Cookie Dough : -1 cup flour (possibly more needed for kneading) -1 cup almond flour -½ cup + 2 tbsp (1 stick and ¼ stick) butter -½ cup sugar -Pinch of salt -1 egg -½ tsp lemon zest -1 tsp vanilla extract -4 tsp poppy seeds Directions: Raspberry Jam : -Take the raspberries and wash in a colander (wash your fruit before baking anytime attempting a recipe!) -Grab a medium-sized saucepan and add the raspberries, sugar, lemon juice and zest to the pot -Simmer the jam for about 30-45 minutes on medium-low, stirring very occasionally and tilting the top of the pan to ensure heat releases from it (the jam will overflow if the pot is completely covered) -When the jam is finished (it should be a blood-red type color that sticks to a spoon and is slightly syrupy), transfer it to a glass container and have it chill for 5-10 hours Cookies : -Pre-heat your oven to 350°F -Once the jam is done, grab a small to medium bowl and whisk; add the almond and AP (all-purpose) flour to the sift atop the bowl and carefully sift in the flours; once combined and finely sifted, set aside -In a large bowl, add the butter and sugar and begin to whisk them together until they’re completely combined -Once combined add the salt and egg, thoroughly whisking the mixture until combined again -Add the lemon zest by zesting a lemon with a lemon zester over the mixture, and after add the vanilla extract -After the wet ingredients are combined, add the flours to the mixture and fold them in with a spatula; after the flour comes together with the wet ingredients, mix the poppy seeds in with a spatula -Once the dough is completely combined, scrap the dough (which should be slightly thick but also a bit runny) onto enough plastic wrap to cover the dough; after you’ve gathered the dough into the plastic wrap, place it in the fridge to cool for 1-4 hours, overnight, or place it to freeze (if you’d like to preserve the dough for a later time) in your freezer -Once the dough is chilled, unwrap it and spread flour across a countertop or flat surface large enough to roll out the dough; begin to roll out the dough with a rolling pin to ¼ of an inch thickness -After the dough is rolled out, take a cookie cutter and begin forming cookie shapes, placing them aside from the dough as you go (take them out from the dough so nothing smushes together, I recommend forming them at the ends of the dough and work toward the middle/top) -Once you’ve formed your cookies, grease at least two baking sheets and place parchment paper atop them; after placing the parchment, put your cookies on top and spread them out equally so they have enough space to bake without one cookie baking into the other -Next, if you want the classic Linzer tart look with a hole in the middle of the top cookie, make a small hole with a smaller cookie cutter (I use the hole end of a large icing tip) in the middle of half the number of cookies you’ve formed -Once completely formed and cut to desired shape, chill the cookies in the freezer for at least 10-15 minutes; after chilling, place the baking sheets in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes (you’ll know they’re done once the cookies begin to brown on their surface); store the cookies away if the jam is still not finished chilling -After your jam is done chilling and your cookies are cooled, place a generous teaspoon (use a small spoon) of jam onto non-hole-cookies (the ones that don’t have the holes in the middle) and top them with the holed-cookies -Once you’ve finished spooning the jam and constructing the cookies, set a display (optional) and enjoy! Blueberry Pie: Pie is another holiday classic dessert, as many families across the world enjoy many different varieties and flavors of pie. Each year, I make this recipe for my family and myself, and each year it’s always gone in only a matter of days - even hours if my extended family is over. This pie highlights the tartness of blueberries yet that same tartness is offset by the sweetness that’s brought out of the blueberries once the pie is left to cool. This pie contains a beautifully rich and sweet blueberry filling, mixing components like acidity from lemons and accentuating the sweetness that’s hidden in blueberries with sugar and spices. It also has a buttery crust that melts in the mouth, the same crust from one of my other pie recipes ( Fresh Pumpkin Pie vs. Canned Pumpkin Pie: Is it Worth the Time? ) which only adds to and supports the sweet and sour blueberry pie filling. It’s almost like combining a sugar cookie base with blueberry jam, and in theory that sounds very sweet, but when the acidity and spice level is controlled it amounts to a perfect combination of both sugar and tart flavors that mesh beautifully on the tongue. This pie recipe is a dish any family member would be ecstatic to try when it’s placed out on the dinner table or with the other desserts many others brought. The crust is beautifully browned, and the blueberry filling is perfectly set once the pie cools, creating an elegant display of blueberry pie. So, if you enjoy pie and sweets that are not too sweet and just a little tart, then you and your family or even friends will surely enjoy this recipe. Ingredients: Filling : -¾ cup sugar -¼ cup cornstarch -1 tsp vanilla extract - ½ tsp cinnamon -¼ tsp allspice -2 pinches of salt -Zest of 1 Lemon -Half a lemon, juiced -2 lbs blueberries -1 egg whisked (for brushing) -2 tbsp butter -Cane sugar (dusting) Pie Crust : -2 cups all-purpose flour (more needed for kneading) -2 tbsp granulated sugar -Pinch (about ½ tsp) kosher/fine salt -1 ½ egg yolks -4 tbsp ice water Directions: Crust : -First add the dry ingredients, whisking the flour, sugar, and salt together -Make sure your butter is COLD or frozen and chop it into cubes -Combine the butter with your dry mixture and rub the butter into your flour mixture with your fingertips (the coldest part of your hand) -Once combined, pour about a tablespoon at a time into your dough and combine it with a fork until it forms clumps in your hand when you squeeze a piece of the dough -Turn this mixture into a ball and put saran wrap over it and let it chill for 2-3 hours (or until hardened) -Once hardened, flour a counter/surface and a rolling pin, cut the dough in half (you’ll need half the dough for the base and half for the top), and roll out your dough to ¼ in thick -Lightly fold your dough over 4 times and place the tip, lined in the middle of your pie pan -Unfold the dough and make sure it’s lined up with the pie pan correctly -Optional: once lined up, make a design of your choice for the edges of the pie shell -Once done, put in the fridge to chill until your filling is ready OR -Use a pre-bought pie shell (you’ll need the one you roll out though, I recommend Pillsbury pie crusts) Filling : -Grab the blueberries and wash in a colander (wash your fruit before baking/cooking anytime attempting a recipe!); once washed, add the blueberries to a large bowl -To the bowl, add the sugar, cornstarch, salt, spices, and vanilla extract -Zest and juice the lemon as necessary, combine all ingredients with a rubber spatula -Grab your chilled, lined dough add the blueberries inside -Preheat oven to 350°F Preparation of the Pie : -Once the filling is evenly spread across the pie, roll out the other half of the dough and begin slicing into even, long, horizontal, medium-sized slices -Take each slice and carefully lay it onto the top of the pie, place the horizontal (or vertical) ones first if you’d like to crochet the top of the pie -(Option 1: Crocheted): Once the vertical/horizontal pieces are placed, one by one place the opposing pieces along the top of the pie -Act as if you are braiding the pie, crocheting the strip over one part of the opposing slice then putting it under the next one; continue this process for each slice, if you need further clarification look up Pie Braiding/Latticing on YouTube (it’s hard to explain the technique when you see it it’s easier to figure it out) -(Option 2: Non-Crocheted): Once the vertical/horizontal pieces are placed, drape the opposing pieces atop the vertical/horizontal pieces, making sure they are evenly spaced -Once you have the top of your pie situated and covered, place the pie pan atop a baking sheet to prevent overflow staining your oven -After placing the pie on a baking sheet, whisk 1-2 eggs, grab a pastry brush or spoon, and spread with your hands the egg wash onto the edges and top of the pie shell; sprinkle cane sugar (optional but tastes very good and adds to the flavor of the crust) atop the pie shell -Put the pie in the oven for 20-25 minutes until you notice the edges of the pie beginning to brown, take it out and place onto the stove; take either silicone pie crust shields or aluminum foil and wrap it around the edges of the pie (carefully, though, you don’t want to burn yourself!) -Once the shields/aluminum foil is wrapped around the edges, egg wash the top of the pie again and add another light dusting of cane sugar (the cane sugar part is optional) -Place the pie back in the oven for another 25-30 minutes, or until you notice the pie crust has browned in the middle and the filling is bubbling -Once you see the pie is done, remove it from the oven, allow to cool for 1 to 1 ½ hour (allows the filling to set and enhances the sugars in the blueberries), and enjoy! If you enjoy desserts during the holidays and overall during the wintertime as much as I do, these two recipes would be perfect to attempt if you have a craving for something both sweet and tart. The holidays are a time for giving and sharing, and though they may have passed, it’s never too early to start thinking about the next holiday season and how you would like to give back to those whom you care about. Even as a late holiday gift, these cookies or even a slice or whole pie would be a perfect late gift that no one would mind (and would even be happy about) receiving. So, though these two recipes are time-consuming and may not be for everyone, these desserts are delicious and if you’re looking to give late holiday gifts would be perfect to give to a family member or friend! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Without Her Face By Nora Chery Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by Getty Images Chapter one In the town of Snow Valley Square the chilly streets were warm because of the love that flew all around. It was Valentine’s Day, a fortunate time for couples to embody the ceaseless love they’ve shared with each other. The small town bustled with conversations that were laced with sweet words of couples. They were chattering about what they’re going to do, giggling about where they’re going to go, and signing about the memories they’ve shared. This was especially clear to see on E. Rosemary St., no one seemed to be alone, everyone was budding shoulders and crossing arms with someone. No one seemed to be alone except for Mr. Owl, who only had his golden watch and a thin duffle coat to keep him company. On the edge of the dark gray sidewalk, he perched down on a bench and peered at his watch. It was 6 pm on a Saturday afternoon, but Belle Maya Owl, his wife of six months and partner of four years, was late once again. She had said with her soft cheery voice: “Let’s meet… around twelve! Ok, darling? I-l won’t be tardy this time." She said that six hours ago. Mr. Owl’s thick eyebrows pulled together with mild annoyance, though the annoyance grew. Every sweet word the couples exchanged around him with each other flew by him like a gust of wind. “Where is she…?” he muttered. “Geez... how long does that woman expect me to wait here?” Mr. Owl was a patient man, but even a patient man has his limits. Two pairs of shoes scratch against the pavement in a hold, “Why hey there Owl!” called out a man. Mr. Owl turned to meet the playfully mocking smirks of Mr. and Mrs. Blue, who stood next to each other, their hands intertwined. “Whatcha doin’ over there? Waitin’ for that wife of yours?” Mr. Blue asked. Mrs. Blue leaned her head on her husband’s shoulder, looking at him at, “She’s probably still putting on makeup. You know how women are with their makeup — we view it as an art form — because it is” she jested lightly, her head adding more weight onto the shoulder. “That Belle though... she takes it more seriously than other women I’ve met. She spends so much time on it—yet the result ends up being...” she glances at Mr. Owl, “above average. Isn’t that right, darling?” She shifted her glance to Mr. Blue. “I’m still surprised Owl made it this far in a relationship, and he’s a dedicated one — fella waited ten hours for wife” Mr. Blue scoffed, smiling. “But hey, Belle’s a nice woman, so I can’t blame him-” The smaller hand surrounding his own had tightened. Mrs. Owl had narrowed her green eyes while her mouth formed a pout, “She’s not nicer than me, is she? I hope you mean nice in personality, Mike. “ “Geez, Sophia, calm down, will ya?” “Although, she’s also above average in terms of that too.” Mr. Owl’s face clenched his jaw with a tint a flush, “Now, the both you, shush up.” He sprang from his seat to glare at the couple. “Can’t a gentleman, wait for his wife in peace? Peace, as in a couple goin’ along their lovey way and not stopping on their tracks to sneer at me!? And no, Mike, I have not been waiting for ten hours, I’ve been waiting for…” Owl paused, then turned away from the couple, scowling down at the ground. “Never mind” he hissed as Mr. and Mrs. Blue blinked at him; Mrs. Blue turned to Mr. Blue. “Suddenly, I’m beginning to doubt she’s coming.” “Don’t say such things, Sophia.” “What? I’m only saying what I think--” A delicate hand gently rested on Owl's shoulder. The touch surprised him enough that all the red-hot emotion he contained popped right out of him. A slivery sweet voice that had belonged to the lovely hand replied. “There you are, sweetheart, I’m sorry—I’m late, aren’t I?” With every word the voice grew sympathetic. “You’ve must’ve been waiting all day for me.” Mr. Owl slowly turned to meet the alluring dark eyes of Belle, Mrs. Owl, and her pastel pink colored lips perked into a soft smile. “I’m sorry I don’t mean to… Oh! I know just the place that’ll be perfect for us.” Belle pushed a piece of her long flowing black hair behind her ears. She looked at Mrs. Blue and shared the smile she gave to Owl. “Well, how are you, Sophia? Enjoying his holiday?” Mrs. Blue’s eyebrows snapped together. She turned her gaze away from her. “Fine,” she replied. Sophia turned her gaze to Mr. Blue, but her smile had fainted, Mike stared at her. There was a pause for a moment, until Sophia gave a polite smile, “You too—Mike?” Mr. Blue blinked, as if she snapped him out of a trance. “Uh yeah, of course” he replied, feeling the burning eyes of his wife. “Wonderful. Now, come along, honey, there’s a load of hours I’ve got to make up” she said to Mr. Owl. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections The Robert Langdon Series By John McCarthy Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Image provided by Amazon Dan Brown, a historical fiction writer, crafted an alternative reality featuring Harvard professor of symbology, Robert Langdon, who solves world crises by solving riddles with his extensive knowledge of art history. Langdon finds himself in intense situations spanning different historical cities such as Rome, Paris, and Washington D.C. Five bestsellers comprise the series: Angels and Demons , The Da Vinci Code , The Lost Symbol , Inferno , and Origin . Being the son of a mathematics teacher and a church organist, Brown emphasizes the struggle between science and religion in many of his books. Here is a quick description of each book featuring Robert Langdon. The great thing about the series is that no information from prior books is needed to understand the plot of next, meaning that the books do not have to be read in order. Simply start with the novel that intrigues you most! Angels and Demons The first book to feature Robert Langdon, Angels and Demons , takes him and Vittoria Vetra on a journey throughout Rome trying to thwart the plans of the infamous Illuminati who have planted a weapon of mass destruction in Vatican City to destroy their enemy, the Catholic Church, and ensure science prevails. The murder of Leonardo Vetra, a Catholic scientist at CERN studying the beginning of the universe, a controversial topic for worshippers and non-believing academics, brings Langdon to Europe for this predicament. Vetra, branded with the famous Illuminati stamp, compelled CERN to recruit Langdon to investigate the murder. As the day goes on, Langdon realizes this is much more than a murder case. Can he and Vittoria find and defuse the destructive device before time runs out? The Da Vinci Code The Da Vinci Code is the most popular book of the series, selling over 80 million copies worldwide. Langdon, along with cryptologist Sophie Neveu, investigate the murder of Louvre curator, Jacques Saunière. Saunière’s body, peculiarly distorted, sends Langdon and Neveu on a hunt to find and protect the Holy Grail, intertwined with the history of the Priory of Sion, an ancient secret society for elite intellectuals. However, Silas, an albino monk, makes it his mission to seize the Holy Grail at all costs as a payment to his God and his anonymous “teacher”. Moreover, the French police believe Langdon murdered Saunière because he was scheduled to meet with the curator the night before. The police chase adds extra difficulty to Langdon and Neveu’s objective. The #1 bestseller culminates with a stirring controversy that challenges the beliefs of many Christians. The Lost Symbol Arriving at Washington D.C. for a guest speech at the Smithsonian, Langdon finds that his former mentor’s severed hand lies tattooed in the middle of the lobby. Symbolic, the tattoos intrigue Langdon and augments his desire to help his friend. Navigating the elaborate history of the U.S. capital, Langdon, with Katherine Solomon, the sister of Langdon’s mentor, to try to identify Peter’s kidnapper and find Peter! On the other hand, Peter’s kidnapper has murder on his mind. Amidst the man hunt, Peter’s valuable artifact, a sacred pyramid of the Freemasons, which Langdon possesses must not fall into the wrong hands. Inferno Based in Venice, Inferno relies on the extensive works of Dante Alighieri. Langdon, who wakes up in a hospital with no recollection of last night’s events or how he arrived in Italy, barely escapes with his life, assisted by Dr. Sienna Brooks. They need to stop the release of a dangerous virus, justified to solve the problem of overpopulation. Working against an organization determined to carry out the wishes of their maniacal client, Langdon needs to prevent the release of the virus and remember the events of last night, crucial to solve his predicament. The virus, contained in a hidden location, is set to release. Langdon can decipher clues to find that location, but can he and Dr. Brooks, do so in time? Origin Langdon is now in Spain to attend a presentation from Edmond Kirsch, an atheist, world-renowned computer scientist, and former student of Langdon’s. The presentation, Kirsch says, will answer two of the most asked questions about human existence: Where did we come from? and Where are we going? Our origin and our destiny. However, Kirsch never gets to finish his presentation. Langdon, alongside Ambra Vidal and Kirsch’s creation, Winston, does the best he can to unveil the discovery by any means possible. A mysterious informant causes severe controversy, claiming the Catholic Spanish royal family had something to do with silencing Kirsch’s presentation. Will Kirsch’s presentation ever see the light of day? If it does, the consequences for current religious beliefs will be immeasurable. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Contemplation Back to Sections Self Portrait By Noorish Atif June 8, 2021 Graphite Volume 1 Issue 8

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Sisters By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by Vector Shock My sister shines so bright Whenever we step out on a night She glows like a firefly I love how she isn't shy Because she's bursting with ideas so divine No wonder why my parents named her shine Brighter than the sun My sister always makes sure we have fun Her writing makes people wonder Why their writing doesn't bring that thunder She's bursting with ideas so divine No wonder why my parents named her shine Tennis and badminton are her favorite sports She owns all the courts Her kindness touches everyone's hearts Everyone is astounded by her smart After all, she's bursting with ideas so divine No wonder why my parents named her Shine BACK TO TOP