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Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes By Elaine Ching, Angelina Odone, and Nora Rivera Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Original photography by Elaine Ching Do you want a cold treat to go with the slightly colder temperature? Or how about just some cookies? If so, use this recipe to make your homemade ice cream sandwiches/sugar cookies. Ingredients Sugar Cookies: · 3 cups powdered sugar · 2 cups butter, softened · 2 teaspoons vanilla · 1 teaspoon almond extract · 2 eggs · 5 cups flour · 2 teaspoons baking soda · 2 teaspoons cream of tartar · 1 container of sprinkles Ice Cream: · 2 tubs of ice cream (Feel free to get more or less!) Steps 1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract, and eggs in a large bowl. We recommend an electric mixer, but a spoon works too. After it’s all well combined and fluffy, stir in flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for 2-4 hours. 2. Take the dough out of the refrigerator. It might have to sit for at least 15 minutes. Then take parchment paper and lay it on a cookie sheet. Pour sprinkles into a bowl. Take small balls from the dough and roll and then flatten them. After, stick the dough in the bowl and press down, so the sprinkles stick to the dough. Next, lay it on the cookie sheet. Place each cookie about 1 inch apart. Repeat until you have desired number of cookies. 3. Bake for 4-7 minutes. Leave them to cool. 4. After they’ve cooled, take your ice cream out. Scoop out some ice cream and spread it on one cookie. The ice cream should be about one inch high. Then take another cookie and smash it on top. Repeat till you have the desired amount of ice cream sandwiches. You can either eat them right after or leave them in the freezer for a while! 5. Enjoy! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Cool Creatures: Episode 3 - The Anglerfish By Matteo Somma Volume 2 Issue 3 January 14, 2022 Original artwork by Kimberly Shrestha Down in the deepest depths of the ocean lies a creature out of a storybook called an Anglerfish. These creatures live 2,000 meters below the surface of the ocean in complete darkness and rely solely on adaptations to survive. A few cool adaptations are the Anglerfish's ability to lure in other fish and its tooth position, both of which help it survive in some of the harshest climates on Earth. The Anglerfish's teeth help it survive and stay fed. They are large, razor-sharp structures that help them snag their prey, and they are pointed inward to make sure prey does not escape. Both adaptations help it to stay fed after it catches its food. The second (and coolest) anglerfish adaptation is its large glowing orb above its head. This bioluminescent orb attracts all types of prey such as small fish, snails, and crustaceans. Think about it as a bait on a hook: the orb acts as the bait, and when animals come close enough, the anglerfish strikes to kill and devour its prey. Then, its teeth come into play and snag the fish before it can escape the anglerfish. This is a keen example of “survival of the fittest,” or Darwinian theory. Anglerfish must be both physically tough and mentally strong to catch their next meal and survive. A FEW FUN FACTS: - Anglerfish are endangered and even recognized and protected by Greenpeace, a worldwide organization that protects endangered species. Due to the recent mass consumption of these vitamin-rich fish coupled with ocean pollution, their population is decreasing rapidly. - Though Anglerfish often drift in the currents of the deep ocean, they can swim extremely fast if in danger. If they do decide to swim, they can reach speeds of .24 body lengths per second. - Male Anglerfish are smaller than females and do not have a glowing orb. Rather, they fuse with females losing their organs as a way of reproduction. Thanks for tuning in to Cool Creatures: Episode 3. I hope you find the mysterious Anglerfish just as cool and crazy as I do. Hopefully, you learned something new, and next time you go swimming in the ocean, take a second and remind yourself about what is deep, deep down, lurking in the waters below... BACK TO TOP

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 to Articles Sports Back to Sections The Art of Karate By Manal Layachi Volume 2 Issue 5 March 28, 2022 Images provided by The Random Vibez and The Karate Blog I’ve been doing karate for five years now. Most people think that karate is just fighting, but it is much more than that. There are many styles of martial arts such as Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, Judo, and Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA. I do martial arts. During class, we do kumite (fighting/sparring), kata (movement of techniques), kihon (basics), and self-defense. Karate is not only about defending yourself, but having discipline, being patient, respecting your family and friends, and showing gratitude towards others. At my dojo, on the wall, there is quote by Gichin Funakoshi that says, “Seek perfection of character. Be faithful. Endeavor. Respect others. Refrain from violent behaviour.” Before we begin class, we always recite it. Many students just focus on their belt color, but it’s about how many skills, katas, and techniques you know. My brother Zak and I are 3rd kyu brown belts. Zak says, “Karate isn’t supposed to be easy during the first day, it is hard. However, if you practice karate every day it will become easier.” During kumite , we learn new techniques and tricks that will help us when we are fighting. Over the years, my kumite skills have improved. Kata is all about focus and precision. In order to have good kata , you need to have the following elements: Speed. Power. Spirit. Stances. Balance. Breathing. You also need to memorize the katas and be able to perform them at the best of your ability. Kihon is all about the basics: for example, kicks, punches, blocks, and techniques. Lastly, during self-defense, we learn techniques that can help us if we are in danger. All in all, karate positively affected my life and has made me a better person over the years. BACK TO TOP

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 Articles Editorial Back to Sections Survey: Are Lunch Lines Too Long? Hydrangea, Staff Writer Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by Learning for Justice With the start of a new school year, comes the return of the almighty lunch period, a time to relax, talk to friends, and eat something. But a more dreadful tradition comes along with lunch: getting on line for food. We could debate whether or not cafeteria food is good for hours, but potential issues can be present in the lunch line itself. I did not have a lunch period last year, and so I was overjoyed to finally get one this time around—only to have to stand in line for almost twenty minutes every day just to get a cheeseburger. I’ve thought a lot about the lunch line. Why was I spending so much time on it when actually getting my food takes only a minute? What was keeping it backed up? And why did it feel so much longer than it did in years past? And so, I bring you a survey about lunch lines. I implore any student to take part, but especially those who get their lunch from the cafeteria. Do you also believe the lunch lines feel too long? Or do they feel shorter for you? I think it’s an interesting issue to look at, so please give me your thoughts! You can take the survey here . Please keep your responses on-topic and respectful, as I will be able to see who sent what. Results will be published in the next issue of NORTH STAR. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Red Ribbon Week! Jeselys Vazquez Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by www.redribbon.org The SADD Club proudly presented Red Ribbon Week starting March 24th, 2023 and continued the celebration till March 31st. This was one of the major events for the SADD club where we decorate, develop a theme week of activities and what we wear, and make morning announcements on statistics about alcohol, smoking, drug abuse, and violence. Monday’s theme was “Don’t Be a Statistic Day.” Tranquil Tuesday’s theme was “Meditate, Don’t Intoxicate.” Wednesday was ‘’Stomp Out Drugs’’ Day by wearing boots. “Lei” off drugs was Thursday where we supported the idea that we should not rely on drugs as a decompress to our stress or anxiety but focus on more reliance on ourselves to be active and do what is best for mind and body as a whole. Lastly, on Friday we all wore red to support the drug and violence prevention awareness campaign. Volunteer members in the SADD club dressed all black and wore a paper on the front and back of their shirt represented a person who died from a certain abuse, such as drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and smoking abuse at a young age. According to research, “An estimated 79,117 Americans died from drug overdoses between January and September 2022” (The Commonwealth Fund). According to the National Institute of Health, “Each year, approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking; this includes about 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle crashes.” The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that there are “more than 480,000 deaths annually from cigarette smoking, including deaths from secondhand smoke.” Throughout the day, a volunteer could not interact with friends and had to remain silent until the end of the school day to bring awareness and getting people’s attention just by reading and seeing how many people just die each year from overdoses and abuse in consumption. Friday is when we all wore Red to finish it off and participate together in saying no to drugs, making better decisions when come across these things, and helping others not fall into the dangerous habit of being dependent on substances because they feel it is their only solution. Society now has many ways of getting information out there - whether with a good purpose or not, people become informed much more quickly and can affect someone deeply where they know how to manage and cope, so they lean on to others’ advice or suggestions. We should always lean on to what is more wise and beneficial advice and recommendations to others to go on the right path and not make those mistakes without having a friend look out for them or correct them. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Post 2024 Election Leah Ally Volume 5 Issue 3 January 14, 2025 Image Provided by Elaine Ching With the 2024 Election recently coming to an end, it has been determined that Donald Trump will be the 47th president of the United States. Similar to many past elections, it is no secret that the results have left much of the country divided, especially with those who were in support of Kamala Harris’ campaign. Nonetheless, Trump is prepared to be sworn in and take office for his second term on January 20th, 2025, with J.D. Vance as his vice president. With many expectations and plans for his presidency, United States citizens eagerly anticipate what is next. However, what exactly can the United States expect in the next four years from his presidency? Prior to Trump’s victory, it was expected for much of the United States to make their voice heard by voting. This proved to be mostly accurate as 64% of eligible voters cast their ballots between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on or prior to November 5th. As usual, the candidate who receives most of the electoral votes, which is at least 270 out of 538, wins the presidency. In this case, Trump received the majority of the popular vote and electoral votes. According to The New York Times , he had a total of 312 electoral votes with 77,095,526 individual votes, which is around 50% of the eligible voting population. In comparison, Kamala Harris received 226 electoral votes with 74,659,711 individual votes, which is approximately 48.3% of the eligible voting population. So, what led to these results? According to U.S. News , there were seven swing states that proved incredibly crucial to the election results, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Swing states refer to states that do not vote consistent with either party. In this election, every single swing state voted in favor of Donald Trump. This totaled up to 93 electoral votes, which Kamala Harris would fall short of. In terms of demographics, Trump proved to be more popular among the older group of voters, while younger voters were a 50-50 split. Kamala Harris was prominently supported by young women and minority groups; however, Trump’s favor among young men is what would eventually lead to his victory. Nonetheless, the United States has split opinions on his upcoming presidency. Expectedly, according to Pew Research Center, “Nearly three-quarters of Democrats (73%) say they are “fearful” about the state of the country, while 54% say they feel “angry.” On the other hand, “most Republicans (76%) say they feel hopeful about the state of the country, while nearly half (46%) say they are proud.” While these stats are expected after a competitive campaign, it raises questions on how Trump will unify the country and whether he will be successful in doing so. Now that the details and demographics concerning the 2024 Election have been established, what is Trump’s next step for the country? First, he must be inaugurated on January 20th to officially be sworn in. The Biden Administration has promised that there will be a smooth transition of power to ensure as much efficiency as possible for Trump. But as soon as he gets into office, Trump has plans waiting to be fulfilled. His most popular discussion has been surrounding immigration. It is no secret that he wants to limit people from foreign countries entering the United States, especially illegally. This relates to his focus on ideological screening. Ideological screening refers to the process of evaluating an individual's beliefs and values to determine their suitability for entry into the United States. He hopes ideological screening will help prevent criminal activity by filtering out individuals with anti-American sentiments and stop them from entering the country. Another hot topic of debate has been abortion, which is why many women were in support of Kamala Harris who promised to protect Roe v. Wade . However, Trump’s stance on abortion is not as obvious as Harris’s. Unlike his previous statements about banning abortion, he has now expressed that he believes that the status of Roe v. Wade should be specific to each state, meaning that there is no need for a national law to be made. Instead, he believes it to be a decision that should be made strictly federally. The economy is arguably the most important aspect of a country so how does Trump plan to address it? Well, he has put forth numerous tax and tariff policies that have gained the support of many recently. While he has been criticized for his previous policies only benefiting wealthy, high-class individuals he has since reformed these ideas by including reducing taxes on tips and overtime pay. This ultimately benefits those in the low to middle working class as they can fully enjoy the benefits of the extra money, they receive that is not included in their salary without paying taxes on them. Additionally, Trump has proposed eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits, which would benefit retirees and disabled individuals. Nonetheless, Trump is still ensuring that wealthy business-owning Americans benefit from his tax policies. According to AP NEWS, Trump will reduce the “corporate income tax rate to 15% from the current 21%.” This demonstrates Trump’s efforts to hopefully help all Americans regardless of background or economic status. At the same time, Trump has also expressed his thoughts on foreign trade. His plan includes increasing tariffs on imported goods, which would aim to protect American industries and jobs. Regardless of his seemingly straightforward plans, they are all considered to be controversial because of the possible drawbacks and risks for the economy. For instance, how will other countries react to his tariff policy, and will this increase costs for American consumers? Nonetheless the country awaits to see how his plans work out and whether they will reap benefits for all. With the election officially over it is unclear what is next for Kamala Harris and her political career, nonetheless her time as vice president and throughout her campaign has left a lasting impression on America. As Biden’s term comes to an end and Trump begins his, the transition will prove to be a crucial step for the next 4 years. With that, America awaits their new president, some with hesitancy, and some with a feeling of confidence. Sources: » 2024 General Election Turnout UF Election Lab High voter turnout in the 2024 election benefited Republicans | AP News 7 Swing States That Could Decide the 2024 Presidential Election | America 2024 | U.S. News How 5 Key Demographic Groups Helped Trump Win the 2024 Election | National News | U.S. News Biden and Trump promise smooth transition in White House meeting Presidential Election Results Map: Trump Wins - The New York Times A look at what Donald Trump has proposed for his second term | AP News BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Alone v.s. Lonely Annie Diep Volume 4 Issue 4 May 29, 2024 Image Provided by Annie Diep I find that people often confuse the word alone with lonely, and vice versa, or people tend to think they’re synonyms of one another. And although loneliness can be caused by being alone, these are not the same words. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word alone means to have no one else present. Meanwhile, loneliness is characterized as a negative emotion that causes one to feel lonesome and secluded. This means that you can be at a party surrounded by people and yet still feel lonely and unwanted, or that you can be alone by yourself in your own room and yet still feel content and wanted. Being alone is a cause of loneliness, but not necessarily a synonym of loneliness. BACK TO TOP

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3 December 16, 2020 "THE GREAT CONJUNCTION" ARTICLES A Million-Dollar Healthcare Anomaly: The Hidden Costs of Rugby Injuries By Osaiyekemwen Ogbemudia Sports Read More Beads for Water Event By Kashmiraa Pandit and Lucy Wu Feature Read More Click Click By Zoie James Polaris Read More DeBlame is on De Blasio By Craig Papajohn-Shaw Editorial Read More Family Problems By Ala Paruch Advice Read More Holiday Baking By Carolina Figueroa Feature Read More How Accurate is Wikipedia? By Cody Sung Feature Read More Join the Class of 2023 Grade Council By Samantha Altieri Feature Read More Life is a contest By Nora Chery Polaris Read More My Mother's Daughter By Osaiyekemwen Ogbemudia Polaris Read More Perspective By Isabella Somma Art & Culture Read More Quarantine Feelings By Cody Sung Polaris Read More Should sports go on? By Ismaela Andre Sports Read More The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Records Broken By Matteo Somma Science & Technology Read More The Benefits of Reading and how phones are harmful By Manal Layachi Editorial Read More The Offseason By John McCarthy Sports Read More The Price of Wealth By Sumaiya Ramsaroop Editorial Read More The Reasons Behind Fans By Isabella Menjivar Entertainment & Media Read More Artistic Perspective By Olivia Muscatelli Art & Culture Read More Christmas By Christiana Fredriks Feature Read More College Advice from a Senior By Shubhdip Kundlas Advice Read More Different Views of Art By Rachel Ezeadichie Art & Culture Read More Fresh Pumpkin Pie vs. Canned Pumpkin Pie: Is it Worth the Time? By Christina Ossa Feature Read More Home for the Holidays By Sumaiya Ramsaroop Feature Read More James Webb – A Technological Precedent By Elyas Layachi Science & Technology Read More Lessons Learned in the Pool By Angelina Somma Sports Read More Montgomery Ricky by Ricky Montgomery By Eva Grace Martinez Entertainment & Media Read More Now That the 2020 Presidential Election is Over, What Comes Next For Us? By Logan Balsan News Read More Pre-season in the New Normal By Joseph Garofalo Sports Read More Should schools remain open after Winter Break? By Shinedip Kundlas Editorial Read More Story Behind the Shot 01 By Garrick Neuner Entertainment & Media Read More The Artist Perspective By Nehilah Grand-Pierre Art & Culture Read More The Future of the Supreme Court By Craig Papajohn-Shaw News Read More The Postponement of the 2020 Olympics By Rayan Bhatti Sports Read More The Quarantine By Masooma Zaidi Polaris Read More PERSEPCTIVE LOAD MORE