Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Your Local Film Nerd Reviews - The Wizard of Oz (1939) Jasmine Roberts Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by Pinterest The 1939 musical film, The Wizard of Oz , is complete and utter craftsmanship at work, creating a lovely movie that has transcended time and still finds space within our hearts. Through whimsy and spectacle, this film was able to tastefully use Technicolor, beautiful costuming, and intelligent, yet playful original songs, to create a deeply magical film that details some of the most heartfelt truths, innate to all of us, while continuing to breathe life into the absurd. Starring the late Judy Garland and directed by Victor Flemming of Gone with the Wind , this movie wonderfully crafts a childlike glee that continues to thrive, even through the hardest of conflicts. Flemming uses the book and his imagination to curate a film worthy of all its accolades. As this was my first time watching T he Wizard Of Oz, (In fact the only reason I was going to review this movie, was because of the behest of my mother, which I am greatly thankful for... Thanks, Mom! ) this was my first impression of the film that I hope will promote your own playful, colorful whimsy and help you realize the true magic within. Dorothy, a farm girl from Kansas, and her Cairn Terrier, Toto, find themselves transported to a new land, with the help of an ever-foreboding tornado. After killing the sister of the Wicked Witch of the West, Dorothy is tasked by the Good Witch of the North, Glinda (my favorite character), to journey across the land in search of the Wizard of Oz, who will take her back home to Kansas, and keep her from certain death due to her possession of the magical ruby shoes coveted by the Wicked Witch. On her way, she meets three eccentrics, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, and The Cowardly Lion. Together, they leave for The Emerald City, wanting to find not only the wizard but also happiness for themselves. From the beginning, this film grants us the pleasure of viewing such a beautiful piece of art. Each color is fully saturated and vibrant, and care is expressed in each stroke of paint brushed upon a canvas for the scenery, in ways modern-day CGI can never fully emulate. From the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City fortress, this film used great creativity to portray such a fantasy without the help of modern technologies. The costumes of characters, such as Glinda, were such a divine presence in the movie. I was beginning to wonder if replicas could be bought for my own closet. It was obvious that every button and stitch of the Munchkins’ or Eccentrics’ costumes were scrutinized meticulously, which is shown in the way the backdrops and dressings promote a sort of escapism, similar to that of Dorothy. I have a great affinity for actors. From the beginners who struggle to express strong emotion without punching a wall, to thespians who have dominated the Hollywood scene even post-mortem, I have always believed that a bad script, does not inherently ruin a film, but instead, it can be elevated with the help of talented actors. I am happy to say that the actors in this movie are wonderful in all the best ways. I have seen, time and time again, how some actors can be when playing whimsical roles. Unnatural and frigid are the usual descriptors I use, but this movie shows how the fantastical can be masterfully played, with the right actors. Judy Garland was sixteen when filming this film, and you can feel it. She is so free and careless, yet stubborn, confident, and courageous, it is not hard to understand why she is so apt to follow the rules of the land. Billie Burke, who played Glinda, allowed herself to freely connect to a character who I believe is hilariously detached from the environment around her, as she is completely unfazed by the Wicked Witch threatening Dorothy. This woman is utterly done with everyone’s madness and finds contentment in sending little girls off to harrowing quests, a psychopath indeed. These two are not the only ones that have attracted my attention, either. The three eccentrics were also gleeful in their performances and greatly contributed to this fantastical epic. The ideas in this film are very complex once one has peeked through the mystical veil and has found themselves genuinely inspecting each frame. I have watched many dissections of this film, as anti-capitalist, and as an honest criticism of the government, and to that I agree, but this is not the brick road we will be departing on today, instead I found the concept of the hero’s journey and the great escape, to be prominent themes. As humans, we find ourselves living like rats in our society, forced to follow a race where nobody hears us and nobody cares, so we are stuck with the voice in our head of self-hatred and doubt. To live such a boring life leaves you to be consumed by pain and anguish, but to have the ability to escape into a world of magic and mystery, so those terrifying hurdles meant to faced in the real world are filtered into a reality where everything makes little to no sense, with a few gumdrops on the side, is refreshing. A universe like the one in the film allows struggles to be faced head-on and rebirth to arise from those ashes. The opening song of this musical, “Over the Rainbow”, fully encapsulates the meaning, as Dorothy imagines a world away from her black and white origins in Kansas. This film was based on a child’s book, and in that vein, I realized how remarkably it illustrates how children process trauma. As Dorothy finds herself in a dilemma, in which her cruel neighbor wants to take Toto away, the adults around her seem too to care little about the situation, a tornado comes into her town and destroys all she knows. The girl full of life has consumed and processed these strong feelings into a separate world, one where all the people of her reality are turned into characters, embodying what they mean to her in the real world. Such delicate minds, like those of children, need time and patience to comprehend such pain and agony, and thus the brain turns to a concept that is a bit comprehensible, like good and evil, and dancing people, a place where there is more gratification than pain. Even adults do this. Running away from home for Dorothy is like running away from the gruesome realities of adulthood for adults. It’s the only way we stay sane in such an insane civilization. As Dorothy travels closer and closer toward the Emerald City, we join her in meeting three of the eccentrics and comrades on her journey, depicted as, the Scarecrow without a brain, the Tin Man without a heart, and the adorable, opera-singing Lion, who is without courage. These faults of the characters are universal. We all feel these ideas about ourselves, whether truthful or not. We put so much blame on ourselves that it is hard to see humanity inside ourselves. We find it hard to understand that perfection has long been eaten out of existence. We can only change from within and not from how we want to portray ourselves to those who might shame us for existing. The Scarecrow considers himself without a mind yet is clever enough to find a way to get apples from the angry talking trees. The Tin Man says he has no heart, yet frequently cries when a situation becomes distressing, and the Lion had the courage to come on such a dangerous way-worn trip in the first place. These characters say they don’t have certain traits, but their eyes have been so blinded by the fog of society, that they have ignored these attributes within themselves. This is amplified even more at the end of the film, but for anyone who desires to watch the film due to my review, I will leave it be and hope the themes are discovered personally, especially those I have not thought of myself. Overall, this movie was brilliant, and I am deeply grateful to my mom for requesting I watch it and review it! This one is for you. 10/10 Horribly Singing Jasmines BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Martin Luther King Jr. Day Leah Ally Volume 5 Issue 4 April 8, 2025 Every year on the third Monday of January we celebrate a special holiday, commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. This federal holiday allows for MLK’s life and contributions to be recognized and honored by the country. While he is considered a well-known name, not many understand the significance of his work, particularly in the Civil Rights Movement and in the fight against racial discrimination. His inspiring leadership has shaped our society for the better as signs of his impact have remained present in our communities, schools, and workplaces. To fully understand the impact of Martin Luther King Jr.’s work, it is important to learn about the Civil Rights Movement. It was a movement prominent during the 1950s and 60s that fought back against the commonplace mistreatment of African Americans in the United States. African Americans were often systematically excluded from society had to endure segregation that negatively impacted the quality of the education they received, job opportunities, and access to public services. This was especially prevalent in the South, where laws known as Jim Crow laws explicitly permitted the segregation of public services and private businesses. Beyond systematic oppression, Black Americans also faced physical violence and other hate crimes such as harassment and arson. The Civil Rights Movement was born from a desire to bring these issues to the forefront and end the legal protection of these inequalities. This movement was marked by significant events and efforts to challenge and overturn systemic racism and inequality. One of the earliest milestones was the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision in 1954, which declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. This was followed by the Montgomery Bus Boycott from 1955 to 1956, sparked by Rosa Parks’s refusal to give up her seat to a white person, which symbolized resistance and led to the desegregation of many bus systems. The movement gained further momentum with the formation of organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). These organizations used protests, sit-ins, and freedom rides in order to bring awareness and make a statement about the unequal treatment they faced. These milestones, among many others achieved during this time, are proof of the significant power that this movement had and the sweeping changes that it brought. Martin Luther King Jr was a prominent figure in the movement, proving himself to be a pivotal figure as his leadership and vision for a better world were instrumental in the struggle for racial equality and justice. His importance lay not only in his ability to inspire but also his commitment to nonviolent protests and civil disobedience to achieve social change. In 1957, he was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, quicky expressing his worthiness of the position. He achieved this through hundreds of speeches around the country as he traveled extensively to make his voice heard. At the same time, he would go on to publish a variety of articles and books documenting the injustice faced by African Americans. Perhaps his most iconic action was during the March on Washington in 1963, where he would deliver his iconic address known as the “I Have a Dream” speech to the 250,000 people participating in the march and the thousands more who watched or listened to it as it was broadcasted. In it, he envisioned a future where people would be judged by the content of their character instead of their appearance, especially the color of their skin. This speech changed the Civil Rights Movement as it drew millions of people to fully understand the impacts of racial discrimination and inequality. Eventually, his hard work in improving the lives of Black Americans would pay off as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 would be created. These laws were significant victories as equal employment, less voting restrictions, and unsegregated public facilities for African Americans were established. All in all, with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20th, it is a time for reflection and commemoration. After all, his work in resolving racial issues has allowed us to enjoy the same rights and access to the same luxuries which will continually improve lives for the future. Sources: Civil Rights Movement: Timeline, Key Events & Leaders | HISTORY Civil Rights Timeline - Truman Library Institute Martin Luther King Jr. – Biography - NobelPrize.org BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections The Congo Crisis Leah Ally Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by The Hilltop The Democratic Republic of Congo, often referred to as the Congo, has been plagued by complex challenges for decades. This vast Central African nation, with its abundant natural resources and diverse population, has experienced political instability, armed conflict, economic challenges, and humanitarian crises, not to mention the silent genocide in progress. Understanding the Congo situation requires knowing its historical context, examining the root causes of the ongoing crisis, and exploring potential solutions. The Congo's troubles can be traced back to its colonial past. Under Belgian rule, the country suffered from exploitation and brutal treatment, with the extraction of rubber and other resources leading to the deaths of millions of Congolese. Independence in 1960 brought hope for a brighter future, but it was short-lived. Political instability, corruption, and power struggles soon took over the nation, leading to a series of dictatorships. One of the most significant events in the Congo's recent history was the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The mass killings in neighboring Rwanda triggered a wave of refugees fleeing into Congo, fueling existing tensions and sparking a series of conflicts. The First Congo War (1996-1997) and the Second Congo War (1998-2003) involved multiple armed groups and neighboring countries, resulting in the deaths of millions of people and the displacement of millions more. The aftermath of these conflicts has left Congo in a state of constant crisis. Armed groups, both domestic and foreign, continue to operate in various parts of the country, encouraging violence and instability. These groups often exploit the Congo's vast mineral wealth, particularly gold, diamonds, and coltan, to finance their activities. The illegal trade of these resources has fueled conflict and caused a cycle of violence. The humanitarian situation in the Congo is dire. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes, either because of armed conflict or due to ongoing insecurity. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) face numerous challenges, including limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Congo, known as MONUSCO, has been deployed to protect civilians and support the government, but its effectiveness has been limited. Addressing the Congo situation requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of the crisis. First and foremost, there is an obvious need for political stability and good governance. The Congolese government would need to prioritize the rule of law, fight corruption, and ensure the fair and transparent management of natural resources. This would help build trust among the population and create an environment for economic development to thrive. Economic reforms are also critically needed. The Congo's vast natural resources have the potential to drive economic growth and lift people out of poverty. However, the exploitation of these resources are often not regulated and managed in a way that benefits the Congolese people. Multinational corporations are very often not held accountable for their actions and ensure that their business practices do not contribute to the crisis. Investing in education and healthcare is another key aspect of resolving the Congo situation. Access to quality education and healthcare services is essential for the development of human capital and the empowerment of the Congolese population. This would improve the people's overall well-being and contribute to long-term stability and economic growth. Furthermore, efforts to address the ongoing conflict and disarm armed groups would need to be intensified. This would require a combination of military action, targeted sanctions, and diplomatic negotiations. Regional cooperation is crucial, as neighboring countries have a common interest in the stability of the Congo. The international community, including the United Nations and organizations such as the African Union, would need to provide support and resources to help these efforts. Additionally, addressing the Congo situation requires a focus on justice and accountability. The perpetrators of human rights abuses, including those responsible for sexual violence and war crimes, must be held accountable for their actions. Establishing a credible and impartial justice system is needed for ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice. Transitional justice mechanisms, such as truth commissions and reparations programs, can also play a crucial role in healing the wounds of the past and promoting peace among different ethnic and social groups in the Congo. In the Congo exists a complex and multifaceted crisis that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response. Political stability, economic reforms, investment in education and healthcare, and efforts to address the ongoing conflict are all crucial components of resolving the crisis. Congo is often overlooked and dismissed, yet the Congolese people have suffered for far too long and it is time for changes to be made. It is imperative that international countries come together to support them in their quest for peace, stability, and prosperity. Sources: Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Global Conflict Tracker ( cfr.org ) DR Congo: An unprecedented crisis goes ignored | NRC Milestones: 1961–1968 - Office of the Historian ( state.gov ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Elizabeth Andre - What is Line - 3 By Elizabeth Andre November 1, 2020 Graphite Volume 1 Issue 1

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections How to Deal with Narcissim By Ala Paruch Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by the American Psychological Association Hello Ala! How do you deal with a classmate that’s bluntly narcissistic and only seems to care about talking about themselves? Hello dear reader! Thank you for sending in the question! Well, before the advice itself, I'm sorry you have to deal with that. People who are not friendly to spend time with will show up often in life, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. In this situation, it seems the person you are talking about is not trying to be friends with you. On the contrary, they make you feel uncomfortable, so feel free to ignore them. It may seem rude, but they are using you to make themselves feel better, and you do not have any obligation to give away your time to them. If you are forced to interact with them, try to limit contact and only talk about what is necessary. Again, they are not trying to be friends, and you must deal with your life first, not their problems.  I hope this helps! Ala BACK TO TOP

< Back About the Course This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Your Instructor Ashley Amerson This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left.

Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections Victoria Scarpa - Prism By Victoria Scarpa November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Before School Breakfast and School Lunch Ideas: By Christina Ossa Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Original photography by Christina Ossa The hard work that we devote to school often causes us to skip meals, becoming too caught up with school work or other responsibilities. But, not surprisingly, eating three meals a day is crucial to not only your physical health but your mental health as well. While it’s understandable that some of us may skip meals throughout the day, this is a gentle recommendation for you to try cooking simple meals for yourself. These small, simple meals I’ll provide for you are low maintenance and would only take 5-10 minutes of your time. Instead of ignoring breakfast because you were up late studying or finishing assignments, wake up 5 or 10 minutes earlier to pack yourself a snack or a proper meal for lunch! Even if you may not have time in the morning (which is also understandable), you should make an attempt to cook yourself a quick breakfast using these recipes as a guide. Food provides crucial nutrition and nourishment for our bodies, so if you neglect to eat, this would not only cause you to feel faint throughout the day (lack of energy) but diminish your motivation, drive, and willpower while doing your work. So, to help you, here are some recipes for snacks, breakfasts, and lunches that I personally take to school or make at home nearly every day! The Elevated Ham and Cheese Sandwich: While many of our parents may have packed this lunch for us, solely ham and cheese in a sandwich is pretty dull. So, to spice up the classic ham and cheese sandwich, I also add a special mayonnaise that would only take 5-10 minutes to prep a batch. Each batch lasts multiple days (ranging from 5-7 depending on how many sandwiches you take for lunch), and the simple addition of spiced condiments makes a world of difference. Adding lettuce, which you can pre-wash for the week on a Sunday afternoon/night, and tomatoes or any desired vegetables you may want on your sandwich also brings a great addition to flavor. The addition of vegetables to your sandwiches also benefits you nutritionally since a simple ham and cheese sandwich would only provide minimal nutrition compared to an “elevated” meat and cheese sandwich. Adding other meats to a ham and cheese sandwich, like turkey, salami, or roast beef, also elevates the complexity of the sandwich. This provides more nutritional value and, most importantly, makes the sandwich taste much better. Also, instead of using white bread (though it may be simple to use), I recommend using a higher quality bread to give the sandwich a more flavorful taste. White bread is pretty plain, but replacing it for bread like baguettes or rolls from a local bakery is more interesting. It not only gives your sandwich more nutritional value (since white bread is not very good for you) but also supports local bakeries and bread shops. Also, instead of defaulting to American cheese for your cheese of choice, try something different that might taste good with your sandwich! Multiple kinds of cheese go well with this sandwich, such as cheddar, Muenster, or pepper-jack. The simplicity of ham and cheese on bread is a good base for a sandwich. Still, with the addition of the items I listed, you’d not only receive more nutrition from your sandwich but appreciate and enjoy eating it much more. Ingredients: Add-Ons to Sandwich: -Meat(s): Ham, Roast Beef, Turkey, Salami, etc. -Vegetables: Lettuce, Spinach, Tomatoes, etc. -Higher Quality Bread (Rolls, Baguette, etc.) -Cheese of Choice Mayonnaise : -½ tbsp Mustard -1 tsp Horseradish (optional) -5 tsp Hot Sauce (optional if you dislike hot sauce) -1 tsp pepper -½ tbsp Honey/Brown Sugar (melted) -1 ½ cups Mayonnaise Directions: Mayo: -If you don’t have honey, then you can also use brown sugar by melting it carefully (over medium-low heat) in a pot -Add all ingredients to a small bowl, combine, then use when evenly combined -Cut a loaf/piece of bread in half, toast it if you like your bread toasted (if you have time, of course) -Spread the mayo across both sides of the sandwich, if you like large amounts of mayo on your sandwiches, spread spoonfuls/heapings of mayo -First, add your meat of choice to the bottom piece of the bread, then layer on a slice of cheese (whichever you prefer!) as a second layer -Next, add your washed vegetable of choice firmly on top of the other layers -Top the sandwich with the top piece of bread and enjoy! Peanut-Butter Chocolate Overnight Oats: This meal is perfect for an overnight-prepped breakfast, especially if you barely have time to make breakfast in the morning. You can prep this meal the night or even for the week on a Sunday before school if you make large amounts of this recipe. It provides perfect nutrition, powering you for school each morning since oats are an excellent food source. Also, even if you’re lactose intolerant, you can easily sub out regular milk and yogurt for plant-based milk and yogurt. Peanut Butter (or, if you prefer, Almond Butter) is also a great source of protein, and the more thick texture of the peanut butter pairs perfectly well with the liquid consistency of the milk and oats. While chocolate may not provide the most nutrition from the ingredients in this recipe, chocolate can actually be a great source of antioxidants since chocolate (particularly dark chocolate) contains antioxidants called flavonoids. Chocolate eaten in moderation gives excellent health benefits and nutrition for our body, and the plus side is that it also tastes fantastic and adds a significant depth of flavor to the oats and peanut butter. The sweetness of the chocolate also offsets the gooey texture of the peanut butter, combining perfectly with the oat mixture. Eating breakfast in the morning may seem optional or unnecessary since it seemingly doesn’t affect us much throughout the day. Still, breakfast is a crucial base for your energy while attending school. And, if you want a low-maintenance breakfast that will not only satisfy your hunger but provide energy and nutrition to last you through the day, then this recipe is perfect for you! Ingredients: -1 cup Oats -1 cup Milk (you can also use plant-based milk) -½ cup Yogurt (or plant-based yogurt) -2 tbsp Honey -4 tbsp Peanut/Almond Butter -½ A Chopped Chocolate Bar or ½ cup chocolate chips Directions : -Grab a small bowl (or large/medium based on batch size) and add your oats, milk, yogurt, and honey -Transfer to a correctly sized mason jar or plastic/glass container, place in the fridge overnight -The next morning, add the peanut/almond butter and chocolate chips/chocolate bar (you could use dark chocolate or milk, whatever you prefer) -Combine with a spoon and enjoy! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections Erika Carranza - Prism By Erika Carranza November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Cool Creatures: Episode 2, The Axolotl By Matteo Somma Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by BBC At first glance, the axolotl ( ak ·suh·laa·tl) may look like a scene from a nightmare, but it actually is a mystical and mysterious creature about which scientists don’t know much. Indigenous to only Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in Mexico, the axolotl inhabited the regions for the last 10,000 years. However, they are now critically endangered. Being a type of salamander, the axolotl is an amphibian, spending most of its time in the water. Recently, axolotls have been forced into the pet trade, as more are bred in captivity due to more people wanting this mysterious creature as a pet. Unfortunately, this does mean multiple accounts of severe animal neglect occur both in pet stores and at people's homes. What many don’t realize before buying these animals is how large they grow and how complex their diet is. Similar to other amphibians, axolotls are carnivores. They require a large variety of foods such as mollusks, different kinds of worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, and even small fish. However, many of these dietary items can be difficult to find. Axolotls are not just “fish,” they are complex creatures that need adequate care to thrive, let alone survive. In the wild, as well as in captivity, axolotls are known to be tough and healthy. They can survive in waters as cold as 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Considering they are from the warm climate of Mexico, that’s pretty impressive! Axolotls are often described as forts stuck in their tadpole phase, due in large part to them having both long tails and legs. Furthermore, axolotls are much larger than normal-sized amphibians, growing up to 18 inches long. Overall, the axolotl is a super cool, mysterious, and mystical creature. Unfortunately, due to large amounts of pollution, water diversion, and an expanding human population, their habitats are slowly disappearing. However, there is hope for the future, with many captive breeding projects for the species in the works. Thanks for tuning in for Cool Creatures Episode 2! BACK TO TOP