Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections James Webb: A Cosmic Time Machine By Elyas Layachi Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by NASA Introduction On December 25th, 2021, at 7:20 AM, the James Webb space telescope was launched aboard the Ariane 5 rocket from Arianespace’s ELA-3 launch complex in French Guiana. The telescope began its million-mile journey to the second Lagrange point (L2), a point in space where gravity from the Sun and Earth balance the orbital motion of a satellite. There are five known Lagrange points, and each makes a perfect viewing location for space telescopes. After launch, over the following 30 days, Webb will begin and continue to unfold and prepare itself for use, as it was previously folded up in the Ariane 5 rocket for launch. You can check the current progress of Webb’s unfolding and voyage here: Where Is Webb? NASA/Webb The development and construction of Webb officially began in 1996, and the telescope was named after James E. Webb, NASA’s second administrator who served between 1961 and 1968. The telescope was originally expected to launch in 2018, but complications led to its delay to May 2020. However, further complications due to the Covid-19 pandemic and technical issues led to another delay for launch. The launch was rescheduled to September, then November, then finally December 25th, 2021. The telescope is one of world’s most powerful space telescopes and will revolutionize current scientific knowledge regarding the universe. Overview Purpose The James Webb space telescope has many purposes, including: To search for light from the first stars and galaxies that formed in the Universe after the Big Bang. To study the formation and evolution of galaxies. To understand the formation of stars and planetary systems. To understand planetary systems and the origins of life. Unlike the Hubble Space Telescope, which studies the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the James Webb space telescope is designed to study the infrared, or heat portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared radiation has less energy than visible light and therefore requires both sensitive and precise instruments to measure. Design The James Webb space telescope’s design consists of many intricate parts, including: Optical Telescope Element (OTE). Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM). Sunshield. Spacecraft Bus. The ability for each part to work correctly and coordinated with the others is crucial to the mission. Below, we will examine each part and the role it plays for Webb. Optical Telescope Element (OTE) This portion of Webb includes the telescope’s 18 hexagonal-shaped mirrors, which help reflect light into the telescope. They are made from beryllium, a strong yet light element. The mirrors are so large they must be folded up during launch to fit into the rocket. The OTE also consists of a secondary mirror and a backplane, which is a large structure that holds and supports the hexagonal mirrors of the telescope. It also carries the entire module of scientific instruments, A.K.A. the Integrated Science Instrument Module (see below). Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) Also referred to as the “main payload” of the James Webb Space Telescope, this module houses the four main instruments that will detect light from distant stars and galaxies, and planets orbiting other stars. The first instrument is a Near-Infrared Camera, provided by the University of Arizona. It can detect light in the near and mid-infrared wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum and can see light from the earliest stars and galaxies in the process of formation, the population of stars in nearby galaxies, and young stars in the Milky Way and Kuiper Belt objects. Furthermore, it is equipped with coronagraphs, which, according to NASA, are instruments that allow astronomers to take pictures of very faint objects around a central bright object, such as stellar systems or planets orbiting stars. The second instrument is a Near-Infrared Spectrograph, provided by the European Space Agency, NASA, and the Georgia Student Finance Commission. This device is used to disperse light from an object into a spectrum. Scientists can use the spectrum of an object to learn more about its physical properties, including its mass, temperature, and chemical composition. The third instrument is a Mid-Infrared Instrument, also known as a MIRI, provided by the European Consortium with the European Space Agency and the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It has both a camera and spectrograph that sees light in the mid-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes wavelengths longer than our eyes can see. It will be able to see the redshifted light of distant galaxies, newly forming stars, faintly visible comets, and objects in the Kuiper Belt. The final instrument is a Fine Guidance Sensor / Near InfraRed Imager and Slitless Spectrograph, provided by the Canadian Space Agency. This combination of smaller instruments allows Webb to point at specific regions in space precisely so it can obtain high-quality images. It has a wavelength of 0.8 to 5.0 microns. Sunshield Webb’s sunshield has the purpose of protecting the telescope from external sources of light and heat so it can detect the faint light and heat of distant stars and planets. It is conveniently positioned between the Sun, Earth, Moon, and the telescope. It will allow the telescope to cool down to a temperature below 50 Kelvin Degrees by also passively radiating the spacecraft’s heat into space. It also contains five layers of sun-shielding, with space in between each one, to radiate out the heat between the layers and use the vacuum of space as an insulator. The sunshield is made with Kapton, which is a lightweight material with special thermal properties. Spacecraft Bus Webb’s spacecraft bus provides the necessary support functions for the operation of Webb and houses six major subsystems: the electrical power subsystem, attitude control subsystem, communication subsystem, command and data handling subsystem, propulsion subsystem, and the thermal control subsystem. Other Parts Other parts of Webb that enable it to function include: The momentum flap, which balances the solar pressure on the sunshield. The Earth-pointing antenna, which sends scientific data back to Earth and receives commands from NASA’s Deep Space Network. The solar array, which is always facing the sun and converts sunlight to electricity to power the telescope. The star trackers, which are small telescopes that use star patterns to target the observatory. Why Analyze Infrared Light? As you can tell from both Webb’s description and its elements, the observatory is designed to study infrared light. But why infrared light, and not any other part of the electromagnetic spectrum? And how will analyzing light tell scientists about the past? Light, like everything else in our universe, has a speed limit, and it is arguably the speed limit of the universe since nothing can travel faster than light. Its speed is 3.00 * 10^8 meters per second. Since even light takes time to reach Earth, light that is farther away will take longer to reach our eyes than light closer. Scientists measure this distance in light-years, or the distance light can travel in a year, which is about 6 trillion miles. So, light from a star four light-years away, for example, would take four years to reach our eyes, and if we were looking at that star currently, we would see it four years in the past. This explains how Webb can see into the past by analyzing light from distant stars, but why infrared light? Because light from the Big Bang and the beginning of the universe is so old (13.8 billion years old to be exact), and because the universe is ever-expanding, the light has lost energy and its wavelength shifted from the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum to the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is what Webb is looking for. So, by searching for infrared radiation from distant stars, Webb can theoretically see up to 13.8 billion years into the past and study the origins of the universe. How cool! Webb and the Future of Astronomy With the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists will be able to better understand the origins of the universe and of distant stars and galaxies by studying the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. With such information, astronomy is bound to change forever. Be sure to stay connected with NASA when Webb’s first images roll out in February 2022! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Little Women Discuss “Little Women” By Simar Thind, Sasha Smalls, and Kamille Shrestha Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Original image by Sasha Smalls Who is your favorite March sister? Sasha : Sweet-natured, romantic, and sensible, Meg remains my favorite March sister. The eldest of the bunch, she actively tries to pacify outbursts and clashes between her other sisters, Jo and Amy. Beth is not one for conflict either, but she shies away from it completely, leaving Meg, Marmee, and Hannah to break up fights. Meg’s serene nature complements her sister’s robust personality. The audience learns early on that marriage does not suit Beth, and Jo - Jo does end up marrying, but throughout the movie, she remains opposed to the concept. Amy desires to marry rich, but she has a key moment in the movie where she gives a speech to Laurie about her thoughts on marriage being an economic proposition. Meg never has such a moment. It appears Meg never opposed the concept of marriage or questioned it. In one scene, Laurie interacts with Meg and shames her for allowing her rich friends to call her out for her name (a pet name). This parallels a subsequent scene when Laurie calls out Amy for wanting to marry rich, saying, “It does sound odd from the mouth of one of your mother’s girls.” Unlike Amy however, Meg does not combat Laurie. She accepts his taunting and moves on. Her passiveness and appeasing nature chronicles her interactions and makes her stand out. Personally, Meg reflects many traits that I as an individual would like to develop and improve on and for that reason, she remains my favorite March sister. Simar : “Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition, and they’ve got talent, as well as just beauty. I’m so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for. I’m so sick of it!” Jo March adamantly rejects marriage and romance due to the constraints that accompany them. She is independent, bold, outspoken, and disagreeable. She is a dreamer, and she is stubborn enough to stick by those dreams and make them come true. Since childhood, Jo holds on to her writing, her one true passion. While Meg makes the sensible choice of growing up and adapting to adult life, Jo forever holds on to her writing. While it is important to adapt as you grow older, having a character that sticks with their dreams makes it seem like our dreams may not be as out of reach as we think. But maybe that’s just the optimist in me. Kamille : Though I could see myself in Jo for how she wished to pursue her passion and find her own way, and Amy with how realistic she was in understanding her duties as a woman and daughter, Beth was definitely my favorite. I adored how sweet, kind, serene, and loving she was. Though the spotlight focused on her less often than her sisters, her heart was always big enough to be felt beyond the screen. I am a big piano fan, and I absolutely adored how much she loved playing it, for herself and for those around her. Beth was so selfless and simply wanted to do whatever she could for the people she loved. She had the most tragic storyline, but never allowed it to be a defining trait in her life. Beth was aware that her death was imminent and that she would leave the earth sooner than her sisters, and came to terms with the prospect, simply doing her best, as her sisters did. In terms of personality, Beth remained a stark contrast from her sisters in that she was shy, quiet, and good-natured, wishing to please everyone and keep her family together. She recognized her place amidst conflict and chose to not engage, yet consistently acted as the magnet that brought everyone together. Out of the four, Beth’s flaws were the least visible, which lends one to believe that her declining health served as more than just a tragedy, but an effort to show that she was not strong nor ready to challenge an ever-changing, seldom forgiving world. For me, she encompassed a tranquil, fleeting sort of beauty that plays a subdued chord throughout the movie. How does the concept of being soulmates but not lovers apply to Jo and Laurie’s relationship? Sasha : On the concept of Jo and Laurie as soulmates, I believe a quote from Meg helps us understand. Meg says to Jo, “Just because my dreams are different than yours, doesn’t mean they’re unimportant.” Jo embodies a strong spirit; one cannot help but to get caught up in her wild and enthralling nature. I believe Jo gets caught up in herself as well. She pushes her agenda on her sisters because she has determined what works best for them. As stated perfectly by Meg, this thinking is false. Jo marches to her own drum. As a result, she is deaf to opportunities that pass her by. Take Laurie for example - she told him they could not marry because it would never work, and she believes she may never marry. I do not think Laurie and Jo are romantically compatible, but she confuses the situation when she changes her mind and decides to marry him. Imagine the turmoil if Jo had told Laurie she loved him before he could inform her of his and Amy’s marriage. I think the story would have been consistent if she did not marry anyone. Despite being soulmates, I also believe her and Laurie should not marry either. Fredrich, although ultimately her love interest, foils her character arc. Jo should have stayed single. Simar : Jo and Laurie grew up together as best friends. They know everything about each other, and their chemistry is undeniable. Laurie understands that Jo has vowed to never marry, but everyone knows that he’s in love with Jo - except for Jo. He confesses his love for her, after waiting and waiting for her to love him back. She loves him, but she says that she could never be in love with him, crushing all my dreams for this couple. Jo says they would be a disaster together, but he responds saying that he can never love anyone else. He desperately wants her to say yes, but when he brings up that everyone expects it, it pushes her away because Jo loves to go against what is expected of her. Jo refuses to marry Laurie, and further argues that she’s unlikely to marry at all because it would place her independence at risk. I understand that soulmates do not have to be lovers, but I cannot accept the fact that they did not belong together, especially since Jo ended up with another man that she barely knew. The book could not have been published without Jo getting married, but ideally, she should have remained single. I think Laurie was “the one”, so it should’ve been him or no one. Just because something is rooted in childhood does not mean we should get rid of it in adulthood. Soulmates are real, and it does not have to be a romantic dynamic. However, I think Jo and Laurie would be great together if they were given the chance. Kamille : Right before Laurie confesses his love for Jo and proposes marriage, Jo mentions running off and joining a pirate ship with him, thus escaping reality. The dynamic of the exchange begins with both of them not being on the same page, and they remain that way during the conversation. Jo did not even want to get married, yet Laurie attempts to convince her that they should be together since everyone else sees it that way. Further, she tries to guilt her into changing her mind - both being childish tactics to sway her. Their connection is built entirely off childhood fantasies and nostalgia, and as a result, their relationship could never properly mature to the point where they could be more than just friends. They were memories they were not ready to relinquish. There is no doubt that they love each other, but one does not need to seek romance to have an intense, serious connection with another. Soulmates are more than just who you fall for, and people can have more than one. They were amazing as friends, but they would clash as partners. Jo ends up contemplating changing her answer when she realizes that she might end up being alone for the rest of her life. It is never because she loves him in a romantic way, but because she wanted to be loved and not lonely, and Laurie was the easy choice. Jo writes a letter to Laurie when she decides that she wants to change her answer to him and places it in their childhood mailbox. She does not even attempt an adult conversation about it, but resorts to putting letters in a childhood keepsake mailbox. Jo would be able to feed off his love but not truly return it, as her true love was writing, which would absolutely conjure up issues had Jo chosen to marry him. And in any case, a relationship, speaking in the context of marriage, does not merely float on love. There is a point where love becomes a choice because of the sacrifice associated with it. Jo and Laurie’s relationship was far too immature to sustain the nuanced aspects of a relationship more demanding than a friendship and would most likely ruin each other. I wish she did end up single because that is what suited her agenda best and it was defeating to see her change her mind about something she felt so strongly about, but I am glad she did not end up with Laurie. What role did childhood fantasies play in the context of the movie and how is it applicable to our lives? Sasha : Each March sister has a thing . Jo, the writer. Amy, the painter. Beth, the pianist. Meg, the actress. I believe Meg’s talent symbolizes her biggest flaw in the movie, a childhood fantasy that follows her into adulthood and threatens the livelihood of her family - Meg wants to be rich. In her youth, Meg attends countless social events and basks in the idea of having disposable wealth. However, Meg does not have disposable wealth. Further, she marries a loving, intelligent, yet poor fellow. Meg’s wedding symbolizes the transition from childhood fantasies to adult duties as she begins her family. But Meg the actress has a role to play. She makes a terribly irresponsible purchase of fabrics with money originally saved for her husband, John Brooke, to purchase a new winter coat. While discussing their situation with Brooke, she makes a comment about being tired of being poor. Despite knowing her financial situation, Meg gets caught up in the idea of having more and living auspiciously. Eventually, she sells the fabrics, and as much as I would like to say this symbolizes her finally relinquishing her rich fantasy, it does not. Meg names her daughter Daisy, a pet name given to Meg by her rich friends. Meg’s reluctance to quit on her childish fantasies defines her character arc. Unlike Jo, Meg cannot embrace her passion mind, body, and soul. Similar to how she acted as a peacemaker, she sets her passions aside (she does not dispose of them) in order to do what is best for the time being. Simar : As many high school seniors are making pivotal changes in their lives, picking colleges and potential careers, it’s incredibly daunting. Everyone wonders what their thing could be and evaluates their strengths and weaknesses in order to make their next move. Many students have one thing they are known for: their athleticism, intelligence, artistic ability, etc. This notion is highlighted in the movie since each sister has a unique talent. However, life does not always go the way we want it to. Beth passes away before breaking through her shyness and showcasing her natural talent on the piano. Meg marries a poor tutor instead of marrying to elevate her social status, placing her in a position where she must make sacrifices in the name of love. Amy wishes to give up her art because she sees no value in it; she believes that there are very few ways to elevate your status, and the main way to do so is marry. She is set on marrying rich in order to secure her future, as well as shine light on her family, but she says no to a man that seemed to be a perfect suitor because she wanted to marry for love. Childhood fantasies often drive our futures, and although we shouldn’t reject them entirely, it’s critical to be open to change, since nothing is certain. Kamille : Childhood fantasies are just that: fantasies. In the case of the March sisters, their fantasies were not necessarily abandoned, but exchanged for more achievable dreams and aspirations. In this context, compromise does not necessarily mean subjecting oneself to misery, because dreams can change. Meg adored acting but found that settling down with the man she loved to become a housewife was what was meant for her, despite wanting a lavish life. Amy wished to paint but recognized that painting’s long-term value would not work in her favor while marriage as an economic proposition could, hence her fixation on marrying rich. Beth lived for the piano but accepted that her sickness would eventually consume her. The only sister who stuck to her path mapped out since childhood was Jo. Their fantasies (for the most part) simply became more realistic, but that does not negate their importance. Most of us will or already have outgrown childhood dreams and wishes, considering that it is a time in our lives that is supposed to be fleeting and indicative of rapid development. The beauty of fantasies lies in that they refrain from limiting the wild imaginations of a child; they evolve as an individual grows up. One does not simply desert their childhood, as it has major formative implications on an individual. The period of growth out of a childhood fantasy can shatter one’s perspective on everything and force themselves to see who they truly are and if their aspirations are worth the trouble. Each March sister had a talent that they wished to hone in on, but simply put, a talent or passion does not necessarily mean anything in a cutthroat world where people vie for any opportunity they can acquire by any means. They are called fantasies because it is rare that they metamorphose into reality. It means nothing to like something or be good at it if the individual in question does not have the will to make it happen. Childhood fantasies act as a filter from a merciless truth; the world is seldom a happy, forgiving place. Dreams tend to become more realistic for that reason; it is merely a privilege to fantasize. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Trapped By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by Saatchiart.Com Trapped in a glass box I can see out, but no one can see in People think I'm like a fox But they don’t know what's under my skin All they see is the outside Which I easily cover up with a face No one can see what I hide Whatever they see, they embrace   No one asks questions No how was your day They don't bother reading expressions It doesn't matter how gray Sitting there in a depressed like-state At this point I'm too far gone That I don't care if I'm late Or if the test in front of me is done   Phony laughs, fake smiles No one can tell the difference All my coach cares about are the miles If I'm there or not, no cares about my presence Everyone thinks my life is picture perfect Perfect grades, friends, family, and life But they don't know the real effect They don’t know about the knife   I'm shattered into tiny pieces Too small to glue back together It doesn’t matter the amount of braces You can't help someone who already surrendered Deep down inside its ugly But don't worry, no one knows I’m not happy Everyone thinks I'm so friendly They don't know that I'm pretty snappy   Binded by those ice-cold chains There's not enough warmth to melt the pain Those empty eyes are all the remains Everything else is drowning in the rain My wings fell down three years ago Leaving me all alone Broken down with an empty echo Dead without a backbone   BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections A Divided America: Can We Actually “Build Back Better”? By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Image provided by POSO It’s over. At approximately 11:30 AM on Saturday, November 7th, the state of Pennsylvania, with its 20 electoral votes, was declared to 77-year-old, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., putting him over the 270 threshold of electoral votes needed to win the presidency. He would be announced as the future 46th President of the United States with his running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, being declared the future 49th Vice President of the United States. Former Vice President Biden would only be the second practicing Catholic elected as President, and Senator Harris would be the first woman in the position of Vice President. This is not to mention Harris is of Black Caribbean and South Asian descent, which makes another first for an American VP. While this is a monumental win for Democrats, the results of the Senate and House races have made Americans, especially Democrats, question whether the country can actually “Build Back Better,” as well as whether the varying political visions of the Democrats caused the party to lose seats in the House. The infighting of the Democratic Party has been an issue over the last decade, recently exemplified when 29 Democrats, across the large spectrum of the party’s beliefs, ran to become the Presidential nominee for the party. The large spectrum of democrats includes the progressive, liberal, and centrist (or moderate) wings. In this election, the Republicans flipped 11 seats in the house for a net gain of eight, with 8 races yet to be called (As of 11/19/20). Polling suggested Democrats were supposed to gain 10-15 seats, but rather, they lost seats, putting Nancy Pelosi’s position as Speaker of the House in peril. The weakened majority in the House came as a shock to Democrats and Republicans alike. The progressive wing of the party was blamed for these losses based on polling, proving that the Democratic party is not shifting as much left as polls suggested. Many centrist Democrats pointed fingers at Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, saying that her self-described democratic socialist agenda caused voters to turn away from the Democratic ticket in the down-ballot races. Even some members of the progressive caucus such as California Representative Jared Huffman (CA-2) concurred, stating, “I think Republicans did get some traction trying to scare people on this ‘socialist narrative.’” The results of the House races gave implications that Americans do not agree on policies such as Medicare for All (abolishing privatized healthcare), defunding the police, abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and a federal job guarantee. Representative Connor Lamb (PA-17), a centrist Democrat, claimed the progressive policies are “unrealistic” and that the false promises being made, cost Democrats in key races. He further went on to say that the Biden administration should keep the progressives at arm’s length. Additionally, moderate Republican and former Ohio Governor, John Kasich, who supported the Biden-Harris ticket, bluntly stated, “The Democrats have to make it clear to the far-left that they almost cost him this election.” The multiple accusations generated a defensive response from Representative Ocasio-Cortez stating to the Times , “I don't even know if I want to be in politics.” The deflection from the Congresswoman reflected the division within the Democratic party and displayed how the many sides of the party cannot seem to be, let alone act unified. Former Vice President Biden has pledged that he will be a president for all Americans, not just those who voted for him. However, the divide within his own party might make it difficult for him to reunite the heavily divided nation. This becomes especially challenging with a divided Congress. The Democrats have a slim majority in the House, while the Republicans have a 50-48 majority in the Senate (as of 11/19/20), with two runoff races in Georgia taking place in January that will determine which party has the majority in the Senate. With President Trump refusing to concede, a smooth transition of power is unlikely to happen based on Tweets that he has sent. The lame-duck President has retweeted multiple times, “WE WILL WIN,” even though all major media outlets made the call that the former Vice President would be the projected 46th President. The former Vice-President will have adversities to overcome, no matter the circumstances in Congress. In order to “Build Back Better”, Joe Biden will need to reach across the aisle to work with both parties to amend the great divide in our country. The Biden-Harris Administration will be responsible for establishing new precedents for future generations. The former Vice President is known for his ability for working with the Republican Party, which is reassuring in our currently divided nation. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art Back to Sections UNESCO’s Updated Cultural Heritage List By Carolina Grace Figueroa Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by Pinterest UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) annually updates its list of unique cultural items. For 2021, 43 new item selections were announced on December 16, 2021. UNESCO is dedicated to preserving heritage and tradition around the world. Its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list now includes 630 items, events, or practices from 140 countries that help build awareness of other societies and carry great cultural significance. I would like to mention a few new and interesting selections: Haitian joumou soup : (or “freedom soup”) is known as a “symbol of freedom and liberation from slavery” after Haiti gained independence from France in 1804. This soup is made from a pumpkin called “ giraumon , vegetables, plantains, meat, pasta, and spices” and is a really flavorful dish that contains the authentic taste of Haiti. It is a celebratory dish that “promotes social cohesion and belonging among communities”. It is consumed the first of January (Haiti’s Independence Day), when it constitutes the first meal of the year, and also serves as traditional Sunday breakfast. Arabic calligraphy (knowledge, skills, and practice): this form of decorative lettering which is a sacred part of the Saudi, Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan culture. The “artistic practice of handwriting Arabic script in a fluid manner conveys harmony, grace, and beauty”. This script provides a variety of different possibilities “since the letters can be stretched and transformed in numerous ways to create different motifs”. Palestinian embroidery (called tatreez): patterns and images are hand-stitched onto clothes, with a variety of symbols including birds, trees, and flowers. This tradition “traces back centuries and was revived in 1967, when Palestinian refugees wore the colorful designs to show their national and political identities”. Women in Palestine try to gain their family’s income and do this by creating embroidery and other artwork which is a “social and intergenerational practice”. Belgian stilt jousting: this game is played on stilts, dating back to the 1400’s. During a joust, “participants attempt to knock all the members of the opposing team to the ground”. Jousts usually take place during festivals in the streets and squares of Namur. This sport is extremely popular and many fans and spectators enjoy coming to the jousting zone, watching and cheering for their favorite teams. Italian truffle hunting and extraction: truffles are a type of fungi that are considered delicacies. With the help of a dog, the truffle hunters (called tartufai ), identify areas where underground fungus grows. “They then use a spade to extract the truffles” without disturbing the soil conditions. To be successful in truffle hunting, this task requires “a wide range of skills and knowledge related to the management of natural ecosystems”. Netherland flower and fruit parades: in Corso culture, this annual Dutch parade is a “competition of elaborate floats or boats decorated with flowers, fruits, vegetables, and people in costumes”. This practice is great for the social economy because “groups of friends or entire neighborhoods may spend months preparing gigantic floats”. The parade also includes band and theater performances. Denmark/Finland/Norway/Sweden/Iceland Nordic clinker boat traditions: these small, open wooden boats are made of “thin planks that are fastened to a backbone of keel and stems, and the overlapping planks are fastened together with metal rivets, treenails, or rope”. These coastal clinker boats are between five and ten meters long and are used in Nordic region festivities. Democratic Republic of the Congo, (Congolese) rumba: this musical genre and dance is used in formal and informal spaces for celebration and mourning. It is an “urban practice danced by a male-female couple”. The rumba is passed down through generations from neighbors, clubs, formal training and schools and is known as a integral part of Congolese identity. Peru’s pottery: pottery is an example of one’s harmonious relationship with nature. The process of preparing the pottery consists of the “collection of materials, modeling, firing, decorating, and finishing”. The process of pottery has specific stages with different meanings that leave great value to the people of Peru. The pots created are used for cooking, drinking, eating, and serving food, rituals, and ceremonies. The “pottery designs are also used as a means of expressing personality”. Ecuador’s pasillo, song and poetry: the pasillo is a “fusion of elements of indigenous music (like the yaravi) and dance genres (like the waltz, minuet, and bolero)”. The music is also played with the rhythm of other guitars and is performed in ballroom dances, public events, and outdoor concerts. The lyrics are a “musicalized poem relating to love, homeland, and daily life”. Denmark’s Inuit drum dancing and singing: “drum dancing and drum singing are traditional forms of Inuit artistic expression in Greenland”. They are featured in celebrations and social events and can be performed by an individual or group. When a drum dance takes place, “the drum is moved in different directions and its frame is struck to produce a sharp, echoing beat”. The song is a combination of lyrics that express daily life. Together, they represent a sense of community for the Greenlandic Inuit”. Austria/Belgium/France/Germany/Ireland/Italy/Poland falconry: this is the traditional art and practice of training and flying falcons and other birds of prey. Falconry was originally used as “a means of obtaining food but has been integrated into communities as a recreational practice and a way to connect with nature”. Most falconry today focuses on “safeguarding falcons, quarry, and habitats as well as the practice itself”. I think this cultural information is very interesting and educational, so I wanted to share my research and findings. It is wonderful that UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee recognizes and safeguards many cultural heritages and traditions from around the world. Website Used: unesco.org BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Mixed Feelings Regarding the Covid-19 Vaccine By Ismaela Andre Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Image provided by NY State of Health The COVID-19 Vaccine has been around for several months now, and it’s a widely available vaccine that helps your body develop antibodies to protect you from COVID. However, does the person taking it feel protected? Although I took my first dose of the vaccine, I still don’t feel safe in large, crowded areas, nor do I feel fully protected. I think that I can still be infected with COVID despite having the vaccine. I also think that other people can carry the virus whether they’re vaccinated or not. I can’t say that I liked getting the vaccine shot; however, I can’t say that I don’t like it either. Students at Valley Stream North High school also share mixed views regarding the vaccine. Amelia Avila, a 10th grader at VSN, said in an interview: I believe the Covid-19 vaccine has been a type of ‘safety net’ most people have been waiting for. There is no certainty behind it, but there is no certainty behind any vaccine during its beginning stages. Not only does it keep you safe, [but it also] keeps others safe as well. Some might argue that the COVID vaccine doesn't work because you can still get COVID, but no one has said that you cannot get Covid if you have the vaccine. Just like the flu shot, you can still get the flu, it just helps your body to prepare for the flu antibodies if they ever enter your body; the Covid-19 vaccine does the same thing. Amelia acknowledged both opinions regarding the vaccine, and I agree with her. The COVID-19 vaccine might’ve been the “safety net” that people needed from this pandemic. However, some students at VSN find the vaccine very helpful and they trust it. Syeda Zainab, a 10th grader, said in an interview that she “loved getting the vaccine. I felt protected and safer after I got it.” Some people, after getting vaccinated, felt safer than when they were unvaccinated. However, there are also some students who have no views regarding the vaccine. Jamilie Ramirez, another 10th grader from VSN, said “I only don’t like the vaccine because after I got it, it hurt for a week.” Some people liked the vaccine but didn’t like the aftereffects that came with it. There are mixed views regarding the vaccine, but each person can express their opinion about it. How do YOU feel about the vaccine? Add your opinion here! https://forms.office.com/r/TxU90u6t34 BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Battle of Saragarhi – 21 Sikh Soldiers vs 10,000 Men Rehmat Kaur Volume 5 Issue 3 January 14, 2025 Image Provided by Rehmat Kaur Background In the late 19th century, the British centered a number of stations along the Hindu Kush range. These fortifications were initially built by the great Sikh emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh during his Western expedition, in which the Sikhs and Afghans battled in the Battle of Jamrud in 1837, establishing the Sikh Empire's western frontier. Following the decline of the Sikh empire, the British took over these positions for the same reason. The British Indian Army attempted to manage the volatile northwest boundary. Despite their attempts, tribal Pashtuns frequently attacked British soldiers, resulting in skirmishes and confrontations with the tribes. Nonetheless, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, also known as the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), was a key place for the Indian Army to hone its tactics and expertise. Afghans started a revolt through the NWFP to channel tribal rage against the British. The 36th Sikh Regiment was charged with guarding the defensive structures of Forts Gulistan and Lockhart, which were near one another. The Orakzai and Afridi tribes had launched attacks on Fort Gulistan during the last two weeks, but both had been repulsed. Saragarhi was established as a communication station utilizing heliographic signaling, a communication technology that involves reflecting sunlight using a mirror and transferring it through hidden signals. Because Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan were not in a visual line of sight due to topographical constraints, Saragarhi was critical to preserving the survival of the forts and the safety of the area. A Khanda, a symbol of righteousness, divine knowledge and charity in the Sikh faith The Battle On September 12, 1987, the 21 Sikh troops awoke and began their day by tying their turbans, doing daily meditation and prayers, and carrying out their daily responsibilities. However, another revolt began to lay siege to Fort Lockhart and Saragarhi, seeking to gain possession of the post. One of the lookouts yelled as the large bulk approached the horizon. 19-year-old Gurmukh Singh hurried to the signaling tower to operate the heliograph, which transmitted signals about the situation to Fort Lockhart. He requested that aid be provided as around 10,000 tribesmen marched towards them. The response he received was bleak, stating that if they dispatched relief, it would reach the post too late, and they could not leave their fort undefended. The defenders, operated by NWFP veteran Havildar Ishar Singh, opted to hold their base, which consisted of a tiny block house with loop-holed walls and a signaling tower. Ishar Singh instructed his soldiers to remain and fight. Despite the tense atmosphere created by the awareness that death is likely and being outnumbered by thousands of tribesmen, the Sikh soldiers refused to surrender. Gurmukh Singh returned to his signaling tower and remained there, documenting every occurrence that took place to Lieutenant Colonel Haughton, the commanding the 36th Sikh Regiment, who ordered that the events be recorded. The Sikhs began unloading ammunition at the dense multitude, which was coming down on them and storming the outer wall. A bullet from one of the guns struck Sepoy Bhagwan Singh, who died on the scene. Naik Lal Singh, although severely hurt, managed to move Bhagwan's body to the inner wall with the assistance of another sepoy. However, Lal Singh would eventually fall due to his injuries. The tribal chiefs had been arguing with the surviving Sikhs to surrender, promising them protection, and presenting rewards of riches and rank if they simply vacated their positions. But no man acknowledged the proposal because they were determined to continue fighting until the end. As the afternoon progressed, the tribesmen devised another strategy: they set fire to the area surrounding the post, allowing them to breach the wall. Havildar Ishar Singh, who had been gravely injured, shouts a piercing battle cry and surges forward with sword and pistol in hand, heroically combating the attacker before being overtaken by his severe injuries. Knowing the end is close, the few remaining Sikhs rush to confront the charging attackers. One by one, the tribesmen kill the Sikh soldiers in return for more of their dead. There remained only one Sikh defender: Sepoy Gurmukh Singh in his signaling tower. He sent one last message, requesting permission to take up his rifle. When Lieutenant Colonel Haughton approved, Gurmukh Singh packed up his heliographic equipment and grabbed his gun as the tribesmen burst through the door. The Colonel looks in astonishment via his telescope as the young detachment signaler kills man after man, a total of 20 tribesmen. The Colonel watched him in awe through his telescope as the young detachment signaler took down 20 tribesmen one after one. Smoke began to rise as instead of confronting Gurmukh Singh, the tribesmen set fire to the tower. Gurmukh Singh sat down, content with his fate, and screamed the Sikh battle cry, “Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akal (Victory belongs to the ones who chant the divine name of God with pure heart).” He was the last to fall in Saragarhi. The signal post had been seized, but the valiancy of the 21 Sikh soldiers allowed forces from neighboring forts to attack the rebellious tribesmen. Finally, the British reclaimed the signaling post near the highland village of Saragarhi. Their Legacy The British Parliament gave the Saragarhi soldiers a standing ovation, and Queen Victoria commended their heroic deeds The Battle of Saragarhi was the first instance in British military history where every soldier who participated in a combat operation received the Gallantry award, the highest military honor. They also received the Indian Order of Merit Class III. Saragarhi Day is commemorated by the Indian Army's Sikh Regiment on September 12th each year. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Nightmare on Main Street Back to Sections Nightmare on Main Street- Madisen Dubose Madisen Dubose November 6, 2023 Digital Art Volume 4 Issue 1

Back to Articles News Back to Sections This year’s Newsday Marching Band Festival was cancelled, but not for Spartan Marchers. Why at Memorial JHS instead? By Navrosedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Newsday It was October 17th, 2018, and the Valley Stream North High School Marching Band was excited to participate in the annual Newsday Marching Band Festival. However, they did not know it would be the last time any Spartan stepped onto the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex in Uniondale, New York. Now, many of you must be wondering why? Well, after a bunch of research, an answer was unraveled. To begin with, what is the Newsday Marching Band Festival? The current Senior High Band teacher, Ms. Angelica Ansbacher, provides us with the following information, stating that “It is a festival that takes place at Hofstra University. At this festival, a variety of marching bands take the field. The festival occurs on a Tuesday in November every year.” An interesting thing I have learned while interviewing her is that she had taken part in the festival three times when she was in high school. Dr. Adam Erdos, the District Director of Fine and Performing Arts, says “It is the biggest event of its kind. Three nights of marching bands across Nassau and Suffolk counties performing at Mitchell Athletic Complex in Uniondale.” Now that we know what the Newsday Marching Band Festival is, it is time to see why the Spartans no longer attend. First things first, no school in the Valley Stream Central High School District attends the festival anymore. Dr. Erdos has attended the festival as a chaperone/supervisor. Although the experience is unlike any other, he says there are some downsides. Dr. Erdos’s main criticism is the setup of the festival itself; “The participating bands do not actually get to really see or hear any of the other bands’ performances. In short, they hear little of the other bands and see even less.” He says the students gain something from the experience of travelling to and from the festival. However, some negative points overpower that positive. Besides the setup issue, the weather does not get along with the festival either. Sometimes it has been extremely cold, and light rain or snow is not uncommon either. Since the festival is outdoors, these factors contribute to the negatives of the event. Ms. Ansbacher’s experience at the festival had been great. “It was a fun night on which I got to spend time with my band friends from school. Being that I was involved in extracurricular music groups, I saw my music friends from other schools as well. It was very interesting to see the other bands perform. We used to discuss other schools’ uniforms and their field shows.” Ms. Ansbacher says there are only two drawbacks: it was a long night, approximately 4 hours including travel time, and that it was often very cold. “My friends and I would bundle up under blankets and sweatshirts while we were waiting.” Both Ms. Ansbacher and Dr. Erdos prefer the new VS District Festival to the Newsday Festival. “This allows our students to see each other’s shows, takes significantly less time than going to and from Mitchell Athletic Complex, and encourages -- or at least makes it easier for -- greater audience - parents, students, and the community at large - involvement and attendance at the event itself.”- Dr. E. “It is much more intimate being that our festival is for our community only. Since the Newsday Festival was a few hours long, very few parents/community members attended,” added Ms. Ansbacher. It is time to see what a Spartan has to say about all of this. Jack Schwabe, a senior trumpet player, has been a part of the marching band since the 9th grade. Having participated himself in the Newsday festival, he says, “It’s a fun experience, getting to see what the other schools have been practicing and playing was a pleasant surprise.” This year, he reported he had fun at the District Marching Band Festival as well. Schwabe likes to hang out with his friends in the band and is disappointed that this is his last year. All in all, it seems like moving to the District Marching Band Festival might have been for the better. Although Newsday is one of a kind, the District Festival outshines it in many ways. Schwabe said “Marching band is a little treat we all get to do every year. Playing good music with friends is always a fun experience, and I'm sad this is the last year I'll be experiencing it.” Ms. Ansbacher commented “My experience with the marching band at North so far has been exciting. I have loved working with the band. Our rehearsals, Saturday football game performances, and [the] District Festival were fun and successful. I look forward to the next marching season!” Dr. Erdos felt “It was great to hear the band playing in the stands and contributing to the atmosphere of the first home game of the season. The students sounded fantastic and Ms. Ansbacher’s direction was outstanding in every way, marking a great new beginning for the North Senior High Band.” Next year, try to check out the VSCHSD Marching Band Festival. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Nostalgic Musings Back to Sections Javoni Roberts - Nostalgic Musings By Javoni Roberts February 10, 2022 Mixed Media Volume 2 Issue 4