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Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections People vs People By Huan Evo Alipio Volume 2 Issue 5 March 28, 2022 Image provided by Titus Lunter February 24th, 2022 a big foot steeped into occupied land  Land that was ran by people Land that was a society  With many varieties Though this creature wants to fill his fantasies  The people of the land have multiple tactics and strategies  But, this creature is no ordinary The people must proceed with cautionary It’s also a sad thing to know that this creature is one of us  And have no plans to discuss  Explosions filled the sky  With many families having to goodbye  People vs People is one rough ride  Even though both land had an agreement back in ‘96, the creature has gone wild In which his body is controlled by vivd mind  His Arms that stretched for miles  Unfortunately for the monster, the people of the occupied land will succeed while looking at him with wide smiles  BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Sweet Treats for Cold and Cozy Nights By Christina Ossa Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Original photo by Christina Ossa During the wintertime, I’m always cold, and I'd usually find myself snuggled up by the heater under a blanket. I would watch TV and try to keep warm, but it always feels like something is missing. I feel hungry, craving sweets, but I’m either too lazy or don’t want to put in much effort to prepare something. If you happen to be like me, a lazy person who often craves sweets, take a look at the recipes below because they don’t take much effort! “Elevated” Boxed-Brownies You’re probably wondering, why not just make brownies by what the instructions say on the back? Well, even if brands like Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker have been in the boxed baking business for a very long time, boxed brownies aren’t always the best. They never compare to a brownie from scratch and sometimes leave you still craving something sweeter or more chocolatey. I’ve figured out a way to elevate any brand of brownies, however, to make them taste almost as good as a brownie from scratch; you’ll only need a couple of extra ingredients, and I promise: if you put in just a little more effort than what the box says to do, you won’t regret it. Ingredients: *Prep according to box, except for water ½ stick butter (melted) ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup cocoa powder 1 tsp vanilla extract *optional* ¼ tsp coffee extract/instant coffee *optional* ½ cup chocolate chips Directions: Prep according to the box you’re using, except don’t put in the water Substitute the butter for the water Add the other listed ingredients Stir until fully combined *optional* Add chocolate chips Follow pan and baking instructions based on the box you’re using Enjoy! Hot Cocoa Bombs: While making hot cocoa bombs isn’t the easiest or most low-maintenance recipe, pre-made ones throughout a school/work week always come as a treat after a hard day! I would recommend taking some time out of your day over a weekend to make these and trust me, you won’t regret it once you use them. They make delicious hot chocolate and if you add a dash of heavy cream to your milk, it’ll taste even richer than with just the milk. Also, keep in mind this recipe accounts for each hot cocoa bomb, so when you’re filling them, add all of these ingredients in each one. Peppermint is also another amazing addition to hot cocoa that amps the already sweet flavor of the chocolate by adding a minty flavor, so if you’re a fan of peppermint like me, then you should add this ingredient! Ingredients/Tools: 6-cavity semi-sphere mold 8 oz melting chocolate (melted) 1 tbsp cocoa powder ½ tbsp sugar *optional* ¼ tsp coffee extract ½ handful of marshmallows ½ candy cane/1 full small candy cane Directions: Do the regular process of filling your mold with the melted chocolate Spoon in the chocolate until you have one layer and once that one dries take a clean paintbrush or cooking brush to brush on another layer of chocolate Put the chocolate in the freezer to solidify for 10 mins Carefully take out the chocolate molds by pushing around the sides and once the sides come loose by peeling them off gently Add the ingredients to 3 of your chocolate semi-circles Put the top halves of the semi-circles onto a warmed plate to glue your semi-circles together Once melted SLIGHTLY place the top semi-circle onto the bottom one carefully Add decorations like chocolate drizzles, sprinkles, etc. onto the top Place in a mug with warmed milk and enjoy! Mug Chocolate Lava Cake: Another low maintenance recipe to try out on a lazy, cozy day would be a mug cake. It takes only a couple of minutes for a gooey chocolate cake. Whenever I’m too lazy to bake but want something sweet, I’d usually grab a mug and make this recipe. It’s great for a quick snack or an after-dinner treat while you’re watching TV, doing homework, catching up on work, or gaming. You’ll also get a sweet surprise in the middle since it’s filled with melted chocolate just like a real lava cake. Ingredients/Tools: 1 large mug, microwave-safe 1 tbsp butter (melted) 2 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp cocoa powder 2 tbsp milk (add ½ of tbsp later if too thick) 2 tbsp flour 1 chocolate truffle/2 pieces of a chocolate bar/6 chocolate chips ¼ tsp baking powder Directions: Grab your mug and put in the melted butter Add the sugar to the butter and stir until combined with a spoon Add the cocoa powder and stir Add the milk, gradually, then continue to stir Add your flour and baking powder If your mixture is too thick, add about ½ tbsp of milk or enough to loosen the batter Place your chocolate into the middle of your mixture and make sure it stays in the middle for the “lava-cake” result Microwave the mug for 1 minute to 1 minute and 15 seconds Carefully take out the mug and enjoy! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Xi and Putin: Two Peas in a Pod By Everton Prospere Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by Financial Times On March 20th, 2023, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, of China and Russia, respectively, met in Moscow for bilateral talks between their two countries. The leaders of both countries, which are remnants of their former communist selves, sought to improve their relationship. Although a strongly criticized move by the United States, the diplomatic visit allowed Xi Jinping and Putin to emphasize China and Russia’s continuing cooperation with each other to counteract the Western powers. The visit itself focused on two main discussions: military power and the economic status between both countries. According to CNN, both Putin and Xi are distressed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) alliance. As a war continues to rage in Ukraine, Putin worries about the further encroachment by NATO closer to Russian territory. For example, Finland, recently approved by all member states to join NATO, will be one of a handful of countries bordering Russia, if the process finishes. For Xi, the AUKUS pact between three Western powers will play a critical role in the Indo-Pacific region. In particular, this alliance will help Australia obtain nuclear powered submarines. Therefore, both leaders feel as if the sovereignty of their countries has been threatened immensely through these alliances. In order to combat this, both countries agreed to “further deepen military mutual trust,” through joint military exercises. These demonstrations highlight the commitment to strengthening the unity through military force between the two nations. With the grand exodus of companies from Russia in response to the war in Ukraine, Russia’s economy has plummeted in recent months. In addition, Europe seeks to halt its dependence on Russian oil to cut ties with the country. However, as per CNN, Russia and China agreed to “build a closer energy partnership,” with hopes of a gas pipeline being built through Mongolia to provide resources and connect both countries economically. This would effectively replace the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which has not begun operations in response to the war effort. Evidently, China and Russia will forge a closer economic bond, pushing away the Western powerhouse in an effort to dismantle the domination of the United States. As Russia and China grow a stronger bond, the two men in charge, Xi and Putin, clearly pull the reigns on both states. Both leaders, effectively autocrats, have clearly shown their desire to reach new heights together. Their indistinguishable personalities and actions have made them two peas from the same pod. Xi Jinping in Moscow: Five takeaways from China-Russia talks | CNN Analysis: How Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin's new friendship could test the US | CNN Politics BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Back to Sections Trip to the Grocery Store Kimberly Shrestha February 24, 2023 Volume 3 Issue 3

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Women’s History Month By Ismaela Andre Volume 2 Issue 5 March 28, 2022 Image provided by North Carolina Central University Women worldwide work hard and experience a lot of pain and stress. That’s why this month, we should celebrate women’s dedication and hard work. They are helping to change the world! For example, my mother is very important to me because she gave birth to me. She also helps me by giving me food to eat, taking me to school, giving me money, and helping me with my homework. Women’s History Month is very important because we are not only celebrating what modern women do, but we are also celebrating what the women in the past did for us. Women, like Rosa Parks, Harriett Tubman, Maya Angelou, Wilma Rudolph, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Gloria Steinem, and Marian Wright Edelman, are heroes. They might not have a costume or a fancy mask, but they are still heroes because they helped make our world a better place. Women’s History Month is an important month for our mothers and female family members and the women in history who have stood up and fought. Thank you for these women because I can live happily and freely because of their courage and strength. Hopefully, many people celebrate Women’s History Month with a happy heart because it is a meaningful month! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections EA's FIFA By Habib Rattani Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by Play Station EA Sports produces FIFA every year around the end of each year. The game is usually a hit or miss, and the quality of the game has decreased by a lot over the last few years. The last game they made which was considered fun was FIFA 17. Since then, the creators have gotten lazy due to lack of competition and they don’t seem to add anything new to the game knowing fans will still purchase it. I grew up playing soccer, so I drifted towards liking this game. FIFA used to be so much fun and such a good game, but the last few years it just brings annoyance and disappointment due to the lack of creativity. Some of the pros of the product are that it looks very realistic and produces a real feel as if you're in the game. There is one game mode called Ultimate Team which brings in most of the revenue and attention. It's a game mode where you can build your best team, based on the chemistry involved, and play with legends from the past as well as compete online for prizes. The game has turned from a pleasurable experience to the game becoming lackluster. Some cons are how the game doesn't seem like a game anymore and nothing new is ever added due to no competition. Some of the best examples for the game could be FORTNITE and NBA2k. All these games are similar in the idea that they have no competition, so creators don't add much of anything new; they have certain game modes that bring in the most revenue. All these games are very popular, but more effort could be put into any of them instead of just updating players and selling the new year’s version. I often reminisce about how good it used to be and how many memories I created from it. The game has become too dull and I don’t enjoy it as much anymore. Due to the reputation of the brand, players continue to buy the game due to promises being made by the company which go unfulfilled. Many others seem to agree with me on this topic. Other players feel like EA could make the game so much better if they put the effort in and they could make something very special. I used to love playing FIFA, but now I gravitate away from it due to the rage it causes. There are many issues and broken glitches in the game which makes it so annoying to play. If the company put in effort, the outcome could be so different. FIFA used to serve as my favorite game. I used to watch YouTube, talk about it, and play it. All in all, I loved FIFA. The game used to bring so much joy, even when I got angry with the experiences it brought playing against my friends, which are unforgettable. However, recently my opinion has switched, and my current favorite game is NBA2k. It brings around the same experience, but the competitive anger I feel is a fun type of excitement. The game isn't very good, but it is fun to play and reminds me of the experiences FIFA brought. I would recommend this game, but the servers are not the greatest. Quite honestly, they are horrible, but at this point anything is better than FIFA. FIFA could produce a masterclass in sporting games if they put in the time and effort. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections LIVE Inauguration Updates By Craig Papajohn-Shaw and Logan Balsan Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Images provided by CNN Politics and Wall Street Journal, edited by Craig Papajohn-Shaw Latest Update: Thursday, January 21 [3:58 PM] Within the first couple of days in the new presidency, the Biden Administration has solidified its commitment to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, climate change, and racial inequality through executive orders. The White House will have to balance its Democratic priorities with bipartisanship in its effort to pursue President Biden's ambitious agenda in the next 4 years. [2:25 PM] Pete Buttigieg, President Biden's nominee for the Secretary of Transportation is testifying at the Senate confirmation hearings. Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and former 2020 Democratic Presidential candidate, is likely to be confirmed later today with bipartisan support. Wednesday, January 20 [7:43 PM] In a bipartisan effort, the Senate confirmed President Biden’s first cabinet nominee Avril Haines for Director of National Intelligence. The vote was 84-10, with 6 senators not voting. Joe Biden will only receive one cabinet nominee on his first day in office. This is unprecedented as past presidents received more nominations on their first day in office; Mr. Trump received 2, Mr. Obama received 6, and Mr. W. Bush received 7. [7:27 PM] In the first White House Press Briefing, Press Secretary Jen Psaki reiterated the goal of rebuilding trust in America through “truth and transparency." Ms. Psaki discussed the private letter Mr. Trump wrote to President Biden: she said the President will not discuss the specific contents of the letter, but Biden did say it was a gracious letter. A key contrast in the new administration: they will hold press briefings Monday-Friday. Additionally, to prepare the White House for the Biden Administration, $500,000 was spent to deep-clean. Lastly, she focused on the 100-day mask "challenge" as well as the rejoining into the World Health Organization (WHO). Both were implemented by executive order. The final event tonight will be the Inauguration Special where artists such as John Legend will perform live at 8:30 PM. [5:50 PM] In his first actions as President, by Executive Order, Mr. Biden rejoined the Paris Climate Accord, a program former President Trump ceased participation in during June of 2017. The Paris Climate Accord is one of the major action groups focused on overcoming the issues involved with global warming. This is one of many orders he is expected to sign on his first day in office. Guide: Link here to NY Times's [ Biden's 17 Executive Orders and Other Directives in Detail ] [5:07 PM] Georgia Senators-elect Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock attended Biden's Inauguration. At about 4:45PM today, Democrats took control of the Senate. Both Georgia Senators, along with Vice-President Harris's replacement, Alex Padilla, were sworn this evening, in a Senate Session where the Vice-President was in the chair, performing her role as President of the Senate. This would cause a shift in power in Congress and will affect Joe Biden's overall agenda as he begins to propose new legislation in his first days in office. [2:46 PM] President Biden and Vice President Harris kept on with tradition by laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery. They were accompanied by the former Presidents. [1:43 PM] Senator Amy Klobuchar is delivering remarks to the First and Second families. She is presenting custom made Lenox crystal vases in commemoration of their Inauguration. President Biden’s vase features the White House and Vice President Harris’s vase features the United States Capitol. [1:31 PM] Republican Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted after Biden’s unifying speech, “#impeachbiden.” For the last week, the Representative claimed that she will bring papers of impeachment to the house floor on Joe Biden’s first full day in office. [1:10 PM] The Institution White House Twitter accounts including, @POTUS have been transferred over from the Trump Administration to the Biden Administration. Additionally, a new Twitter Government account was activated: " @SecondGentleman " [12:48 PM] In his inaugural address, now President Biden focused on how "democracy has prevailed" in the 2020 election. [12:14 PM] Joe Biden cites in his Inaugural Address, "The work and prayers ⁄ Of centuries ⁄ Have brought us to this day ⁄ What shall be our legacy? ⁄ What will our children say? ⁄ Let them say of me ⁄ I was one who believed In sharing the blessings ⁄ I received ⁄ Let me know in my heart ⁄ When my days are through ⁄ America ⁄ America ⁄ I gave my best to you" from the song American Anthem by Nora Jones as a message to the country. [12:00 PM] Joe Biden has been officially been sworn in by Chief Justice Roberts. He is now the 46th President of the United States as of 12:00PM. Joe Biden, the former senator and Vice President from the small-town of Scranton, Pennsylvania, starting a career in politics at the young age of 30, is now the new leader of the free world, alongside his Vice-President Kamala Harris. Joe Biden is expected to sign many executive first orders during his first day in office. Biden will now give his inaugural address. [11:58 AM] Biden asks the nation to join him together in one cause: unity. [11:50 AM] President-Elect Biden is now President, and Donald Trump now joins the list of single-term Presidents. [11:45 AM] Jennifer Lopez is performing "This Land is Your Land." [11:42 AM] Vice President-Elect Harris is being sworn in right now by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, making her the first person of color and female to take the oath of the vice presidency. [11:39 AM] First African American female, Andrea Hall, to be named Captain in her Georgia fire department recites The Pledge of Allegiance. [11:34 AM] Incoming First Lady Dr. Jill Biden is wearing a stunning ocean blue Markarian dress and overcoat to the inauguration. Designer Alexandra O’Neill, also made the complimentary blue mask. [11:30 AM] The Pledge of Allegiance is being recited and the National Anthem is being performed by The United States Marine Band. [11:26 AM] Republican Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri is next to speak as Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Inauguration. [11:21 AM] Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar is the first to speak at the 59th Presidential inauguration. [11:19 AM] President-Elect Biden is about to walk out to the outside platform where he will be inaugurated. House and Senate Leadership is currently being introduced. [11:17 AM] Former Vice President Dan Quayle from the H.W. Bush Administration is also in attendance. [11:14 AM] In a historic moment, Vice President-Elect Harris is seen having a quick chat with outgoing Vice President Pence. It also appears to be snowing in a small flurry. [11:04 AM] Mike Pence has officially chosen to attend the Inauguration, instead of going to Trump's own planned send-off to Florida [10:57 AM] The nine Supreme Court Justices have taken their spots on the inaugural stage. Chief Justice Roberts will read the oath of office to former Vice-President Biden. Vice President-elect Harris selected Justice Sonia Sotomayor to read the oath of office to her. In an effort to show a sign of unity, Former Presidents Obama, W. Bush, and Clinton are attending the inauguration, and have taken their spots on the stage. [10:36 AM] Both the President elect and Vice-President elect have just arrived at the Capitol for the inaugural ceremony. Replacing the large crowd in front of the capitol, a sea of flags cover the grounds symbolizing those Americans who cannot attend the ceremony. To date, 400,000 have lost their lives to the coronavirus pandemic. [9:31] Although President Trump has broken from many traditions when it comes to a peaceful transfer of power, advisors have said he did uphold one norm: leaving a note for the incoming President. The contents of the note are unknown at this time. [8:49 AM] A large, closely-packed crowd of supporters came out to Joint Base Andrews to watch Trump's last expected speech as President, which ended at 8:45 am. He focused on his successes as President such as the economy, the stock market, and how his great relationship with Congress allowed for the passage of successful legislation. Mr. Trump stated to supporters: “this is just the beginning." He thanked all of his administration, including the Vice-President, and wished the incoming administration "the best of luck." [8:31 AM] Mr. Trump has left the White House for the last time as President this morning around 8:00 AM . He will be traveling to Palm Beach, Florida with the First Lady. Trump will still travel with the nuclear football (the satchel with the nuclear codes); however, at 12:00 PM, Joe Biden's nuclear football in D.C will be activated and Trump's will be deactivated. Because Trump will not attend the inauguration, two nuclear footballs were required during this historic transfer of power. [7:53 AM] Before the inauguration ceremony at the Capitol at noon, President-Elect Biden along with Speaker Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Schumer, House Minority Leader McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader McConnell are attending a morning service at St. John's Cathedral in Washington. [6:57 AM] Washington D.C is on lockdown this morning. Over 25,000 National Guard Troops are overseeing the inauguration in order to provide high security. Additionally, the FBI is on high alert due to threatening information posted online. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections MSA's Annual Eid Festival Wardah Khizer Volume 5 Issue 5 July 5, 2025 Image Provided by Afaf Aswad Valley Stream North’s Muslim Student Association (MSA) became an official club during the 2024–2025 school year, although it first began forming the previous year. During last year, the MSA hosted their first Eid Festival, with hopes of making it an annual tradition. This event was made possible thanks to generous donations from members, who contributed decorations, ideas, and other resources. The festival received strong support and appreciation from both Valley Stream North staff and the broader Valley Stream Central High School District staff. During the school year of 2024-2025, several changes were made to the MSA. Now recognized as an official club, they have gained the ability to raise funds. With that support, they were able to upgrade their Eid Festival by purchasing better decorations, catering food from local halal restaurants (while still accepting donations), buying prizes for games, and offering henna designs. The turnout was larger than expected, with around 60 to 70 people in attendance. Thanks to the combination of catering and contributions from members, a wide variety of food was offered, and it was clear that everyone was eager to try it and have fun. Co-Presidents Afaf Aswad and Anum Zafar, along with Vice President Mariam Balde, worked hard, alongside the other dedicated officers and club advisor, Mr. Disclafani, to make the festival a success. This event was of great personal importance to them, as they wanted it to have a positive impact on the school community. Balde stated, “ I hope that the Eid party encourages the other organizations at our school to be even more outspoken about their mission to provide community for us students and to host similar events to bring students, faculty, and parents together.” Aswad stated that celebrations such as the Eid Festival are necessary, explaining that “[r]ecognizing holidays fosters inclusion, respect, and a sense of belonging among students from various backgrounds, which affirms students' identities and promotes cultural understanding.” Events like these provide students with the opportunity to share parts of their culture and religion that may not always be represented in mainstream school activities. By highlighting important traditions like Eid, the MSA creates a welcoming environment where students feel seen and valued for who they are. Balde agreed and added that schools that haven’t hosted cultural events like this should consider doing so because, “It is so incredibly important for students of similar [and different] backgrounds...to be exposed to events like this, as it encourages the celebration of diversity and educates them about different customs.” She emphasizes that cultural events not only support students who identify with a particular tradition but also create learning opportunities for those unfamiliar with it. By engaging in these celebrations, students and staff alike are given a chance to grow in empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse community around them. Full Interview with President Afaf Aswad and Vice President Mariam Balde: Why is it important for schools to acknowledge and celebrate diverse religious and cultural holidays like Eid? Aswad: “Schools must acknowledge and celebrate diverse religious and cultural holidays, such as Eid. Recognizing holidays fosters inclusion, respect, and a sense of belonging among students from various backgrounds, which affirms students' identities and promotes cultural understanding. Schools that celebrate a variety of holidays demonstrate the importance of diversity and respect, which are essential to education.” How do you hope the Eid party influences future events or programs around diversity at school? Balde: “Our school is already so diverse. We have multiple clubs and student-oriented activities, including the BSU, Alliance, and Culture Society, that all demonstrate the importance of community and visibility. I hope that the Eid party encourages the other organizations at our school to be even more outspoken about their mission to provide community for us students and to host similar events to bring students, faculty, and parents together.” What would you say to schools that have not yet hosted cultural or religious events like this? Balde: “To schools that have yet to host cultural or religious events like this, I would encourage them to start. It is so incredibly important for students of similar backgrounds to be able to gather outside of school and equally important for students other cultural or religious backgrounds to be exposed to events like this as to encourage the celebration of diversity and educate them about different customs.” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections A Recommendation of Brahms: Op. 39, Sixteen Waltzes By William Mullin Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Image provided by Britannica Brahms’s Op. 39, a set of sixteen waltzes, originally composed of piano four hands, are lucid insights into the human condition. Impressively hypnotizing yet simplistically structured, Brahms’s waltzes are all formatted around introducing a theme, transitioning to a developmental passage to build tension and add variety, and thankfully, again, reprising the theme. Sometimes this repeats or Brahms strays from the formula a bit, but overall, all these pieces can be generalized by this structure. A piece wrapped around a theme. A simple structure, admittedly, but that does not detract from either Brahms’s talent or the beauty of these sixteen waltzes. To the 21st-century ear, Brahms’s music is surprisingly like western pop music, which has trained us to love choruses, hooks, and refrains. So, when we hear a catchy theme with multiple reprisals -- evident in -- all these pieces, played with differing intensity and interpretation, our brains love it. Ranging from thirty-two seconds to two minutes and twelve seconds, the waltzes are short, bite-sized, thematic pieces of beauty when viewed individually but a concise masterpiece when listened to in totality. Designed initially for piano four hands, a duet consisting of two individuals typically playing on the same piano or two different pianos, Brahms composed this short set of waltzes in 1865. It was later published in 1866. Vienna’s local music at the time significantly influenced Brahms, for the waltz dance form had become extremely popular there. Translated to the piano, this form is jive-like and danceable but also thought-provoking and intimate. A form that has since become a classic staple in piano repertoire for a reason, with composers of waltzes ranging from Chopin and Liszt to Tchaikovsky and Mendelssohn. And I haven’t even begun to speak from the perspective of a pianist, one who has played these pieces. As a listener, yes, these pieces are beautiful. But as one of the players in a duet, these pieces are transcendental. It is necessary to be coordinated with one’s partner, for interpretation is crucial to the evocative nature of these pieces. But, once that synchronization clicks, the duets are two humans speaking to the world through one piano. A dialogue of notes, but unlike any spoken dialogue one has heard. Inflections of the voice could never change the meaning of words as much as the pianists’ individualistic playing of these pieces changes the meaning of the notes. One enters a flow state when listening to music of any kind, but when playing such evocative music, the pianists enter the mind of the work’s composer. Coupled with dual interpretation, these duets are a rich example of the human phenomenon that is music. It shows in Anna Polonsky’s facial expressions during her performance of the Opus with Emanuel Ax, which is available on YouTube, just how moving these compositions are. No 1. in B major, the start of this set. An explosive jive-like melody that elicits imagery of a crowd in Vienna dancing with ecstasy. From fierce passion to a lullaby-like melody, Brahms transitions to No. 2 in E major, foreshadowing the tension to be expected in No. 3 in G sharp minor. Without giving too much away, No. 2 resolves, only for the quiet initiation of No. 3 in G-sharp minor, a short passionate ebb and flowing melody that crests and descends beautifully. Then into the expressive, tense, almost scary No. 4 in E minor. Already a multitude of emotions has been spoken through Brahms that I can only describe poorly and at a surface-level. Brahms instills a wide variety of his soul and humanity into these pieces. It would also be unfair to classify too many of these pieces from my perspective, for it would ruin the surprise of listening to them and interpreting them yourself. This is lyric-less interpretative music (though just because it’s lyric-less does not mean it’s not lyri cal ). Though I hope my descriptions of the early ones were intriguing enough to sit down and check them out, I feel one would truly be missing out if they did not listen to them in totality at once in their life. A short seventeen minutes, but a beautiful experience that I have had the fortune to listen to multiple times, an experience that has helped me feel more human. Some notable pieces of the set to check out are No. 7 in C sharp minor, No. 9 in D minor, No. 11 in B minor. That being said, the most popular and widely played waltz of the set is No. 15 in A major. However, this one is much more like a lullaby than any of the others and, personally, is overrated (though still excellent). A must-listen for anyone who wants to admire humanity and a solid recommendation for any classical fanatic. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Summer Festivals Celebrated Throughout the World Sahar Ali Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by Aesthetics Wiki - Fandom When summer was just around the corner, various countries started to welcome the most beloved season. Here are some places where the summer season has a grand entrance! KRAKOW, POLAND – WIANKI FESTIVAL This Polish festival began with an ancient pagan fertility festival. Wianki Festival originated in Krakow but is celebrated all over Poland. Wianki translates to the wreath and represents the future, good fortune, being in love, and fertility. Along the Vistula River, the Poles have special wreath-floating events, festivals, concerts, bonfires, traditional food, firework displays, and vodka drinking. Polish women also wear, and deposit garlands weaved with symbolic herbs in a river. Hiding in boats lined up along a river, boys try to catch their girlfriend’s wreaths. BARCELONA, SPAIN – THE NIGHT OF FIRE FESTIVAL OF SANT JOAN This Spanish festival celebrates the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. On the night of Sant Joan, celebrations commence when the sun is at its highest in the sky, symbolizing fertility. Representing wealth and strength, bonfires and fireworks take place all over Barcelona. Sant Joan has three symbols: water, herbs, and fire. Water symbolizes the cleansing of sins. As a result, locals often dive into the Mediterranean Sea for a late-night swim. Herbs symbolize remedy and healing. Since it is believed that thyme, rosemary, and verbena contain aphrodisiac properties, many eat these herbs on the night of Sant Joan. Fire represents abundance, purity, and fertility. On the night of Sant Joan, Barcelona lights up with bonfires and fireworks to eradicate bad- luck. JAPAN – AOMORI NEBUTA MATSURI FESTIVAL One of Japan’s largest festivals, the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Festival (August 2 - 7), takes place in the Aomori, a prefecture on Japan’s island of Honshu. The Aomori prefecture is notable for its natural landscapes, like volcanic mountain ranges. It is also Japan’s largest apple producer. This festival originated amongst the Aomori people to eradicate the drowsiness that came over them on warm summer days. During the Japanese festival, large floats made from wood and paper are decorated and lit up from the inside. Complemented by taiko drums, flutes, and hand cymbals, these large floats parade throughout the Aomori prefecture. There is no fee to attend the festival as attendees take part in dancing as they wear the traditional Haneto dancing costume. ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – WHITE NIGHTS OF SUMMER May through July, the “White Nights” are celebrated when the sun does not fully set, leading to sun-filled days. Russians refer to this festival as Beliye Nochi. During the White Nights, people come out on the streets and visit special concerts, festivals, ballet, opera, and certain restaurants/bars that stay open all night. Additional celebrations include bridges being raised over the River Neva, best seen from an evening cruise, swimming in Lake Ladoga, and walking through the “Summer Gardens” or Letnii Sad . On June 22nd, millions of Russians gather for the Scarlet Sails as a tall ship sails to recreate a well-known children’s story with a fake pirate battle, all taking place on the River Neva. Sources: Great Summer Traditions around the World: Festivals & Celebrations ( internationalteflacademy.com )   BACK TO TOP