Rachel Ezeadichie FEATURE SECTION EDITOR Hello! My name is Rachel Ezeadichie, and I am the Entertainment and Media Editor for the North Star. I love watching new shows and analyzing all types of media. If you’re interested in the coverage of new or interesting shows, books, or movies, you can find it in my section. I’m also apart of Spartan Update and Drama Club, so you can see me performing or covering many school events. I’m excited to be an editor for North Star and can’t wait to keep writing! North's Drama Club Rachel Ezeadichie Feature Read More North's Hidden Gems Rachel Ezeadichie Feature Read More Procrastination Tips (From an Expert Procrastinator) Rachel Ezeadichie Advice Read More Poetry Out Loud Rachel Ezeadichie Feature Read More The Evolution of Super Mario Rachel Ezeadichie Entertainment & Media Read More North's Snowball By Rachel Ezeadichie News Read More Homecoming 2022 By Rachel Ezeadichie Sports Read More The Context Behind the Russo-Ukrainian War By Rachel Ezeadichie News Read More Shop: A Pop Opera By Rachel Ezeadichie Entertainment & Media Read More “Once On This Island” is coming soon! By Rachel Ezeadichie News Read More How to Balance School and Mental Health Rachel Ezeadichie Advice Read More Poetry Out Loud Rachel Ezeadichie Feature Read More FAFSA Overview Rachel Ezeadichie Feature Read More The Nightmare Before Christmas - A Reaction Rachel Ezeadichie Entertainment & Media Read More A Rich Evolution of The Addams Family By Rachel Ezeadichie Entertainment & Media Read More COPPA Compliance and the Importance of Internet Safety By Rachel Ezeadichie Entertainment & Media Read More What is Climate Change? By Rachel Ezeadichie Science & Technology Read More Ms. Santomauro Interview By Rachel Ezeadichie Feature Read More Bullying Impacts By Rachel Ezeadichie Feature Read More Deltarune: A Game Review By Rachel Ezeadichie Entertainment & Media Read More

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Gomez Addams – An Introspective Dive By Alain Deen Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by VSN Drama “Where are we from!? Funny you should ask. July 31st, 1715. The Spanish Warship, Pico De Gallo, commanded by my great nautical ancestor, General Redondo Ventana Languna Don Jose Cuervo, leaves Madrid, bound for the new world. Three weeks later, he is still in Madrid, as Madrid is four hundred miles from the nearest ocean. A stubborn man, he sets sail anyway, only to sink, six months later, off the southern coast of Florida - a hostile land, infested with mosquitoes, rattle snakes, and many retired Jewish peoples. But enough about us.” The Addams Family has developed into a beloved franchise since its inception in the early 60s. Namely, The ABC TV network created The Addams Family television series, which was based on the Addams’ cartoon likenesses. In short, the general premise of the franchise revolves around a ghoulishly strange family and the relationships within it. Gomez and Morticia are husband and wife and are also madly in love. Together, they had two children, Wednesday, and Pugsley. The two often feud, as any “normal” sibling pair would. Lurch is also present, who serves as the family’s half-dead butler. Furthermore, Grandma Addams is often depicted in an out-of-touch manner. She’s quite crazy and lacks awareness in contrast to the other characters. Lastly, Uncle Fester serves as the primary comedic relief of the show. Over time, this franchise has grown immensely, with various adaptations across multiple mediums. Namely, various animated shows such as The Addams Family: The Animated Series (1992-1993), The Addams Family (1973), and The Addams Family (2019). Along with this were a plethora of live-action adaptations, with the most recent being Netflix’s Wednesday (2022). With all of this said, however, I would like to take a deeper dive into Gomez Addams and evaluate his character arcs over the years. In almost every adaptation, Gomez is quite inferior to his wife, Morticia. She has always served as the family’s spearhead and makes most of the decisions. This is an interesting element, as the men of the early sixties did not translate these ideals into reality. However, it was an early sign of breaking the patriarchy in the film and media industry. Nonetheless, Gomez’s primary motives in life stem from pleasing his wife and protecting his family, which is integral to a father-figure like himself. Along with this, Gomez’s personality stems largely from his Spanish Ancestry, which was first mentioned in “Art and the Addams Family.” Morticia refers to him as a “mad Castillan” in one of the episodes, demonstrating his passion for his roots. This trait has remained consistent throughout the various adaptations of the Addams Family, which is enhanced by his pencil moustache and devotion to Morticia. In some adaptations, it is mentioned that he is a wealthy businessman who studied law. However, Gomez’s relationship with work has remained fickle as he has struggled between balancing his family and work. Nevertheless, he cares for his wife above all, and his love is constantly tested across every adaptation. Rachel Ezeadichie (Uncle Fester), Gigi Perlaza (Morticia), Alain Deen (Gomez), Giancarlo Oliveri (Lurch), Caroline Testa (Pugsley), Quinn O’Connor (Wednesday), Carolina Caraballo (Grandma). I had the pleasure of playing Gomez in Valley Stream North’s recent production of The Addams Family Musical . It was a great experience, to say the least. I had a lot of fun with the character and delved deep into his passion for Morticia and love for his roots. However, in this particular adaptation, Gomez is tested in terms of Wednesday as well. He had to keep a secret from Morticia (something he would never dare attempt) in order to please Wednesday. From playing Gomez, I gained more insight into the character himself, learning more about the intricacies of passion and unconditional love. My character served as the driving force for most of the events throughout the show, including various songs which demonstrated his internal conflict, arguments with Morticia, and antics with lurch. Overall, it is safe to say that with every adaptation, Gomez’s love for Morticia is tested the most. He is a man of his word, and never wants to keep secrets, unless it is at the expense of his daughter. Although Gomez deeply cares for his wife, his children also play a prominent role in his life, demonstrating another complex aspect to his character. Alain Deen (Gomez) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Five Nights at Freddy's Security Breach By Augustine Magapan Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Image provided by Steam It has been two years since Scott Cawthon, an American video game developer and writer, created a new game. He is also well known for his Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise. To those who are unfamiliar with the franchise, Five Nights at Freddy’s is a popular horror game that revolves around players monitoring robotic animals known as animatronics until a certain time, specifically from 12AM to 6AM. Although typically most Five Nights at Freddy’s games are about watching animatronics, Scott Cawthon released a new video game that is unlike the rest. Before getting into the actual details of the game, it is reasonable to look at the past of Scott Cawthon. On July 24th, 2014, he released a small project called Five Nights at Freddy’s which was only allowed to be played on the computer before it was on other platforms. Going back to the horror game franchise that revolves around the players monitoring animatronics in a pizza place, players play as a guard working a night shift. While monitoring the animatronics until 6AM, it should be noted that the animatronics are alive and move around in the premise during that time frame. There are four main animatronics: Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy. The group wishes to murder the security guards and stuff them into animatronic suits. This transforms the game to instead of players focused on the animatronics, they transition to monitoring their own lives until 6AM. The only issue that players must focus on while monitoring themselves and the animatronics is the limited power accessed. The players are allowed to utilize the electrical power to shut doors and turn lights on and off to protect themselves from the animatronics. If either the players fail to monitor the animatronics from coming into the security room, or if all power is drained, an animatronic will pop up on the screen and frighten them. This is known as a jump scare, which implies the players lost…and the security guard is stuffed in a suit. For the next four to five games, the franchise revolved around the same gameplay, but with new environments, characters, and actions implemented. The small project became a whole franchise over the years, leading to Scott Cawthon’s success. Moving forward to late 2021, about 7 years from the first game, Scott Cawthon released a new game called, “Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach.” This game is different compared to the other games that Scott Cawthon developed. The idea still revolves around winning by reaching 6AM; however, instead of playing as a security guard monitoring the animatronics, players play a child called, Gregory. Gregory was not able to leave the pizza place before it closes for the night causing him to be trapped; fortunately, Freddy, who is not an evil animatronic, assists Gregory with his escape from the pizza place. Instead of the game revolving around being stuck in one place, players are able to move freely around the enormous pizza place. While completing the goal of escaping the pizza complex, the other animatronics are on the lookout for finding Gregory. Not only the animatronics are looking for him, but also a security guard; therefore, players are able to utilize hiding spots in order to not be seen by any of them. Old and new ideas were implemented in the game such as new jump scares, old and new characters, and actions (closing and opening doors, using power). One gimmick that has surprised players was that Gregory is allowed to go inside Freddy. Instead of being stuffed into him, Gregory is allowed to utilize Freddy to obtain access to other parts of the pizza place and hide from other animatronics. Today, Scott Cawthon’s Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise has impacted many people. It is astonishing how a small project that was developed years ago led to big ideas. It has peaked multiple times, for famous YouTubers streamed his games in the past and present. While Scott Cawthon developed his games, he left easter eggs, or clues and secrets inside video games, for the players who wanted more than just winning. This led to an abundance of theories and analysis on websites and articles. People were able to put the pieces together where it is not only a game, but also a story. The whole entire franchise is connected to a singular timeline leading up to Security Breach. Additionally, Scott Cawthon has a giant fanbase where some people draw their own characters, speculate about animatronics getting romantically together, making music of their own parodies of the games, and posting a lot on social media platforms like TikTok. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Ask Ala: Maintaining Friendships By Ala Paruch Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by Tiny Buddha Q. Hey Ala, My friend and I are growing apart. It feels like I’m the only one trying to stay friends. As much as they’re a great person, I’m tired of putting in effort and getting nothing back. We’ve been friends forever, so I can’t just drop them. What can I do? A. Hello and thank you for asking this question. I must admit, this is definitely something not simple or straightforward. All friendships are intricate and work with their own rules and because of that they can stop working due to specific reasons. First of all, you should probably look back at the history of your friendship. How did everything start? Was it always a little bit one-sided? How did you really get to know each other? Has social distancing been a factor of what is happening? And most importantly, as you know yourself best, you have to analyze your own actions. Maybe you distanced yourself and now are trying to get back to the way things used to be? The other person might not want to talk to you as much because of some of your behaviors. During this time, you should also ask yourself what you want out of this friendship. Does the other person want the same? Just because you are used to something, doesn’t mean it should stay. Afterwards, consider having a serious conversation with them. You should be straightforward and get right to the point. Express to them the problems you are experiencing and some ways you would expect them to fix it. They have to want to keep this friendship as well as you and they need to show that with their effort. To feel more prepared, it can be helpful to write out a list of examples you want to mention, and you can write out some solutions yourself. Don’t forget to include the things you need to do better as well. You should come to some sort of consensus by the end of the conversation, but be aware that life is unpredictable, so be ready to adjust your plans along the way. If during your reflection, you come to the conclusion that this friendship it’s not exactly what you want anymore, you can try to just let the friendship go. Don’t abruptly end all contact, don’t burn any bridges, be calm and let it fall apart on its own. As hard as it may seem, not everything in life works out, and that is completely fine! You had good times together, you shared laughs and sorrows but sometimes it’s just the time to let it go. People change, times change, life changes, and you cannot keep hurting yourself or trying to force others to do something that is not going to bring you joy. Hold on tight, everything will be alright. There are always new friends to be made. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The Vice President's House By Cody Sung Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by Wikipedia Have you ever wondered where the vice president of the United States lives during his/her time in office? Personally, I always believed that the vice president lived with the president back in the White House. But that is not the case. Instead, the Vice President resides in Northwestern Washington D.C., at the address of Number One Observatory Circle. First, we need a little bit of context. The house in question was built in 1893 on the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory, a government organization which provides information on positioning, navigation, and timing for the United States Navy and Department of Defense. The organization also performs research operations, and much more. Originally, the house was built for the superintendent of the organization. However, in 1923, the chief of naval operations removed the superintendent due to his fondness for the house. He then moved in himself. Prior to 1974, vice presidents and their families lived in their own private homes, but since the cost of securing those homes steadily increased, Congress agreed to tidy up the house and make it the vice president’s residence in 1974. Interestingly enough, no vice president lived there for three years. Gerald Ford was president before he used the home, and Nelson Rockefeller (Ford’s Vice President) used it for entertainment purposes only. Walter Mondale, Jimmy Carter’s vice president, was the first to use the home in 1977. Since then, George H.W. Bush, Dan Quayle, Al Gore, Dick Cheney, and Joe Biden have all lived in the home. Currently, Mike and Karen Pence reside in the house. So, what is it like in this home? The rooms, besides what you would normally see in a home, include a reception hall, garden room, a master suite, a study, and a sitting room. There are also new additions to the home with each vice president. For example, George H.W. Bush installed a horseshoe pit on the house grounds when he was vice president. Dan Quayle also made additions, such as a swimming pool and an exercise room. Karen Pence has added beehives to the grounds. Overall, at least at first sight, the house is fancy, but not as fancy as the famed White House. Unfortunately, there are no tours offered of the house, as it’s hidden from the street. Although not as famed as the White house, the vice president’s quarters has its fair share of events. The vice president usually uses the house to host important figures, such as politicians and world leaders. For example, Joe Biden hosted Enda Kenny, Ireland’s former prime minister for St. Patrick’s Day. Number One Observatory Circle also gets decorated for Christmas, including a Christmas tree and general Christmas decorations. The Pence family have also decorated for Halloween and have greeted trick-or-treaters. There are also general events and parties, such as the Pence family hosting an annual pool party for veterans. Number One Observatory Circle is quite the house, constantly shaped by new residents moving in every 4-8 years. Just 2.5 miles from the White House, Jill Biden has said that the house provides a contrast from the nature of Washington life. Just like lots of other homes in America, decorations pop up there for Christmas, and events and parties are regularly held. So, the next time you ever wonder where the vice president resides, just think of the quiet home on the site of a government observatory. With that said, let’s welcome Kamala Harris and her husband, the second gentleman, Doug Emhoff to Number One Observatory Circle. Harris will be the first female Vice President, as well as the first African American and South Asian. As for her husband, Emhoff will be the first second gentleman in the history of the United States. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections A Narrative to the Compliments of Color By Gilana Etame November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections The First Black Congresswoman By Shinedip Kundlas Volume 2 Issue 5 March 28, 2022 Image provided by Associated Press During her seven terms in the House of Representatives, Shirley Anita Chisholm, the first African American woman to serve in Congress and the first African American to seek a presidential nomination in the United States, has been outspoken in her advocacy for women and minorities. Born and raised in New York, Shirley Chisholm was born the oldest of four daughters to immigrant parents from Guyana and Barbados. While her parents worked to settle their family in Bedford-Stuyvesant during the Great Depression, Chisolm spent part of her childhood living on her maternal grandparents' farm in Barbados. She received a British education during this time. However, Chisholm returned to the states to finish high school and graduated top of her class. On a scholarship, she attended Brooklyn College and graduated with a Bachelor of sociology in 1946. Before starting her political career, Chisholm worked as a nursery school teacher from 1946 to 1953. At Columbia University, Shirley Chisholm obtained an M.A. in early childhood education three years later. From 1959 to 1964, she served for New York City's Division of Day Care as an educational consultant. Chisholm became involved in several campus and community groups throughout her training to become a teacher. Politics became her interest and her skills of organizing and fundraising developed from there. Her deep resentment towards the treatment of women originated from the role women played in local politics at that time, which consisted mainly of staying in the background and serving as an afterthought to their male counterparts. Chisholm found a way to express her opinions about economic and social structures in a rapidly changing nation through campus politics and her membership in the NAACP, an organization fighting for equal rights for African Americans since 1909. A second African American woman was elected to Albany's legislature in 1964 when Shirley Anita Chisholm was elected to the New York state assembly. Chisholm continued her service in the state assembly until 1968, when she ran for the U.S. Congress. She was elected and began serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1969 to 1982. In 1972, Chisholm ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, claiming the other candidates did not represent the concerns of black and minority voters and the poor. The campaign for Chisholm's Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1972 was marked by discrimination. After pursuing legal action, she was allowed to make just one speech after being barred from participating in televised primary debates. Across the nation, women, minorities, and students flocked to the "Chisholm Trail." Despite severe under-funding and disagreements with the primarily male Congressional Black Caucus, she won 12 primaries and 152 delegates' votes. However, she did not win the Democratic nomination, yet the nation still admired Chisholm. In January 1983, Chisholm left Congress and co-founded the National Political Congress of Black Women. She campaigned for Jesse Jackson's presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988. Shirley Anita Chisholm made history as America's first black presidential candidate and first black congresswoman. Upon leaving Washington, Shirley Chisholm said she did not want to be remembered as "the nation's first black congresswoman" or, as she put it, "the first black congresswoman." Instead, she stated, "I'd like them to say that Shirley Chisholm had guts". Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm will continue to inspire generations of women of color to run for office, and her legacy will never be forgotten. "I want history to remember me not just as the first black woman to be elected to Congress, not as the first black woman to have made a bid for the presidency of the United States, but as a black woman who lived in the 20th century and dared to be herself. " - Shirley Chisholm BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Portrait Back to Sections Unconventional Portrait By Marissa Nardone January 20, 2021 Photography Volume 1 Issue 4

Back to Artwork The Memory Project Back to Sections Rejoice- Amna Faisal Amna Faisal February 24, 2023 Volume 3 Issue 3

Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Kimberly Shrestha - What is Line By Kimberly Shresta November 1, 2020 Marker Volume 1 Issue 1