Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Except from Eve Mikayla Aziz Volume 4 Issue 3 March 13, 2024 Image Provided by Olga Kawa from Pinterest Twisted and Bent and Burnt and finally Remolded, Finally, a girl made anew. I don’t even recognize her anymore; Hopefully he won’t either. Now she stumbles around, Head still high pumped with false confidence. She speaks with someone else’s tongue, Looks through someone else’s perspective, But she still thinks with my brain. That we still share; For now. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Contemplation Back to Sections Seratonin By Noorish Atif June 8, 2021 Digital Art Volume 1 Issue 8

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

< Back About the Course Your Instructor

Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Lillian Dolan - What is Line - 3 By Lillian Dolan November 1, 2020 Photography Volume 1 Issue 1 This picture is of a wicker basket. I used artificial light (a lightbox). It was taken around noon.

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections 12 Pieces of Advice for Upcoming 12th Graders Jeselys Vazquez Volume 5 Issue 1 September 20, 2024 Image Provided by Jeselys Vazquez Hi, my name is Jeselys Vazquez. I’m a graduating senior of the Class of 2024 and have been a member of the North Star for 3 years. It has been fun being part of an intelligent and creative group of writers these past few years. Being at North since 7th grade looking back from then until now, I have a different mindset. Especially in 12th grade, there have been many important lessons I learned that I wish someone would have shared with me about senior year. So, I hope to help guide the new upcoming seniors. I wanted to share 12 pieces of advice for the new 12th grade students:     Senior year is an exciting year, but don’t let “senioritis” or your peers’ “senioritis” kick in and affect you. Everyone wants to have many free periods, so they don’t have many classes and make their lives easier. However, it is not the same for everyone because you may still need certain credits to graduate, so it varies for everyone.  Create your schedule based on your needs. Have fun! I know it may sound contradictory to say that when you’re in school, but there will be many school events and games to go to so try to make as many as you can.   For Regents level students in English, the college process will occupy October to December with writing your college essay, college applications, creating your resume, collecting your teacher recommendations, etc. For students taking an AP English level course, you will start to draft your college essay earlier that summer so once you come in you just clean up and get done sooner. Either way, you will be ready by the time you submit your essay for the application deadline. If you ever feel overwhelmed by the college application process, do not be afraid to contact your guidance counselor with any questions or concerns and they will help you. Also, if you have anything on your mind or going on at school or at home, we have wonderful psychologists that are there to help, listen, and give you any advice you need. As it is the last year, a lot of people have made their friend groups and stay in their circle, so don’t feel left out or weird when people seem to be in their corner. It is normal, just always keep in mind to be kind to others, if you don’t feel comfortable then don’t push it.   Remember you’re not obligated to be friends with everyone, as you’re not for everyone. Surround yourself with good people you trust and bring the best out of you, who are there for you through the good and bad.   Don’t be afraid to try out for a sports team, a play, or something new just because others might think or not good enough. Never let fear stop you from doing something you want to do. Even if you don’t make it, it is ok!   When things don’t work out, that doesn’t mean it is over and that you should give up.  It means you should try again later and if it still does not work out, then there may be better something set out for you. In the end, it will work itself out.   Obviously, the excitement for prom comes around and everyone is trying to get a prom date, so people tend to talk to people or tend to get into relationships to guarantee the idea of going with someone, but don’t force it. You don’t need a date to have at the prom, you can go with your friend whether girl or boy, a cousin, even siblings if you wanted to and have fun with all your peers and have a great night before you all graduate.   Relationships or getting into a relationship senior year is not the wisest decision because it is your last year before you head into your next chapter, and you meet new people there. It is best to stay away from them and not to end with a headache. Sometimes on rare occasions some relationships last but it's best to keep things platonic and start off by just talking to get to know each other but never jump the hoops into being a couple already.   Never put yourself down or let someone else make you question your value. Don’t let anyone tell you that you do not deserve good things or deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. Don’t feel that you’re not at the expectation of what social media projects how you should be. Half of what you see on social media, even on the news is not 100% true, so don’t feed into their ideas. Live your life how you want responsibly and happily.   Don’t compare yourself to others, you’re not the same person with the same goals and lifestyle. The only person you should be competing with is the person you were yesterday, do better for yourself and make healthier habits to be a better you for you, not for anyone else. Make yourself a priority because if an aspect of your health triangle unbalanced than the other aspects will be as well, so focus on yourself before others.   BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections Apple in 2022 – WWDC and Future Technologies By Elyas Layachi Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by Tailor Brands DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING CONCLUSIONS ARE DERIVED FROM LEAKS FROM RELIABLE SOURCES BUT ARE NOT 100% CERTAIN. Introduction Apple, one of the world’s most prevalent and prestigious technology companies, was founded on April 1st, 1967, in California by the infamous Steve Jobs and his good friend, Steve Wozniak. The initial goal of the company was to reinvent the computer, with its first product release being the Macintosh desktop computer, which essentially revolutionized the desktop computer industry. However, Apple’s goals have later shifted to creating a wide range of revolutionary technologies to shape the world and positively influence consumers, with the introduction of the iPod in 2001, the iPhone in 2007, the MacBook in 2008, the iPad and EarPods in 2010, and the Apple Watch and AirPods in 2017. Now, Apple is continuing to evolve, with the rumored release of its first augmented reality headsets, new AirPods, and new MacBooks. Furthermore, Apple is scheduled to announce its developments for its major operating system updates, including iOS (for iPhones), watchOS (for Apple Watches), iPadOS (for iPads), and macOS (for Mac computers). This article will present some information and leaks regarding the new updates and technologies that are scheduled to be released throughout the rest of the year. Keep in mind that the information presented is that of leaks and are not 100% certain to occur. June – WWDC Every year, on the second week of June, Apple hosts its WWDC event, or the Worldwide Developers Conference. At this weeklong event, Apple invites app developers to Apple Park, the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, CA, to discuss their developments and learn new techniques to develop their apps for Apple devices. Furthermore, on the first day of WWDC, Apple typically unveils its major operating system updates. This year, WWDC is scheduled to take place the week of June 6th, and iOS 16, watchOS 9, iPadOS 16, and macOS 13 (rumored to be named “Mammoth”) are expected to be announced. This article will highlight some leaks of all of Apple’s operating systems except macOS, since not much is known regarding its next major refresh. Currently, several features are rumored to be released in iOS 16. For example, LeaksApplePro, a reliable and accurate Apple update leaker on Twitter, presents evidence that iOS 16 may bring larger widget configurations to the iPhone, like those of iPadOS 15. They also rumor that FaceTime will adopt a more Zoom-like interface. William Gallagher, a writer for Apple Insider , found leaks that iOS 16 will contain accessibility features such as door detection for navigation, an Apple Watch mirroring feature due to the screen’s small size, and even live captions for video calls. Other leaks do exist, such as possible updates to notifications and car crash detection, but not enough specific details are yet available. For now, we must wait until June 6th for the reveal of iOS 16! Several significant features are rumored to be released in iPadOS 16 as well. For starters, it’s expected to be compatible with most iPads that were compatible with iPadOS 15, with many features unavailable due to outdated hardware. According to 9to5mac, an infamous Apple leak website, there are two significant features rumored to be released: “a new multitasking interface and revamped look for notifications.” Not much information is readily available regarding how notifications will be changed, but for multitasking, Pro iPad users have been requesting a more Mac-like interface to interact with multiple apps, and Apple may be acting on this request with iPadOS 16. This is all that is specifically known about iPadOS 16 for now, and like iOS 16, all we can do is wait to see what becomes a reality. In watchOS 9, a number of new features are rumored to be released that will change the way users interact with their Apple Watches. For example, according to macworld.com, the update is rumored to bring a low-power mode to the watch (similar to that of the iPhone), as well as an advanced atrial fibrillation health feature. Other expected features include new watch faces, possibly redesigned app interfaces, and improvements to the overall UI of watchOS to make it easier for users to use their watches. iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Series 8, anyone? In the fall of 2022, Apple is expected to release a number of new products, including a new iPhone and new smartwatch models. The next iPhone models, the iPhone 14 lineup, is expected to contain camera and display changes. It will feature a redesigned selfie camera and microphone, with each being a “hole punch” in the display to maximize screen real-estate (as seen in the newer Samsung models). Furthermore, the screen is rumored to stretch all the way to the edges, similar to how it does on the Apple Watch Series 7, making the bezzles almost invisible. It is also rumored that the rear cameras on the iPhone 14 will be more powerful than ever, with the wide rear camera having a resolution of up to 48 megapixels. Better low light performance in photos and videos is expected, as well as a faster chip (the A16 bionic), faster performance, and possibly USB-C charging (rather than lighting cable charging). The new Apple Watch Series 8 is rumored to have three models according to MacRumors: a 41 mm model, a 45 mm model, and a “rugged” model. All models are expected to have displays similar in geometry to that of the Apple Watch Series 7, and the “rugged” model is expected to have a flat display to increase its durability. Apple and AR/VR Apple has not been keeping up in the Augmented / Virtual Reality technology race, with companies such as Microsoft, Meta (formerly Facebook), and Google having already developed such technology. However, Apple is expected to release an ambitious product this fall or even as early as WWDC: its first Virtual Reality headset. Not much is known about the headset, but leaks show its design to be like those of other virtual reality headsets. What sets it apart from the others, however, is its quality: it is rumored to contain 8K displays in each lens, creating extremely fine resolutions in activities and games for users unlike any other virtual reality device in the market. Such a release has been heavily anticipated, and I can’t wait until it’s revealed, either in June or in the fall! 2023 and Beyond As you are probably aware, Apple is a company that constantly innovates and keeps its technology ahead of the competition, despite later release dates. Within the next few years, Apple is expected to continue releasing new smartwatch models, phones, laptops, PCs, tablets, and earbuds. Furthermore, Apple is expected to release its first Augmented Reality smart glasses within the next couple of years, a groundbreaking and anticipated product. Eventually, it is expected that the iPhone will no longer exist, and smart glasses will replace it and its functions. I hope you learned something new about the technology that is scheduled to be released by the technology giant Apple within the next few years! Sources: macOS Mammoth coming in 2022? Apple renews trademark for 'Mammoth' operating system name (macdailynews.com) iOS 16 Rumors: Release Date, Compatibility and Everything Else We've Heard - CNET Apple announces iOS 16 door detection, live captions, and more accessibility features | AppleInsider Apple Watch 2022: Everything we know so far | Macworld BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Back to Sections Leaf Layering Anonymous December 23, 2022 Volume 3 Issue 2

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections The Backrooms By Liliana Ossa Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by Creepy Pasta Fandom What are “The Backrooms”? Have you ever heard of no-clipping out of reality (one traveling quickly enough to pass through any solid object like a wall without breaking it)? Well, if you ever did no-clip out of existence, you would probably end up in The Backrooms. The Backrooms are a group of levels found in an unknown reality, location, and time. They can only be accessed by glitching or “no-clipping” out of reality. They are also challenging to escape, with about 999 levels of millions of square feet long. You can only get to another level if you find a door that teleports you there or some portal, but you would have to be extremely lucky to find an outlet. The Backrooms also include unknown entities that no humans on Earth know of. Although they are just creepy-pasta on Wikipedia, they could be accurate, and we humans would never know since it’s complicated to no-clip out of reality. Level 0 Level 0 is only possible to get to by no-clipping into it. Level 0 contains superficial features such as a yellow colored wallpaper, a damp carpet that gives off a funky smell, and strangely placed fluorescent lighting that flickers every few seconds. Since Level 0 is known to be millions of square feet long, there’s barely any hope for escape because of the many other levels that you have to get through once you arrive. As you roam through the endless hallways, it gives you a feeling of nostalgia and déjá vu; you feel like you’ve been there before. While roaming through the hallways, even if you’re careful about the directions you move in and the hallways you wander through, you may end up at your starting point repeatedly. If this happens, it gives you even less hope to escape than you had in the first place. There are no entities in Level 0 because it’s the “tutorial level.” Still, the pattern of the lights flickering may trick you into thinking that someone else is with you because of the humming sound that comes from the lights. Traveling throughout the hallways for hours will eventually drive you insane, so luckily, food called “Almond Water” keeps you sane and decreases your fatigue and thirst level exists. Due to the millions of square feet that exist and GPS and compasses not working in The Backrooms, it isn’t easy to navigate through the many halls in Level 0. Overall, The Backrooms are extremely difficult to navigate, and there is most likely a 0% chance that you would be able to escape all the 999 levels that exist. The Backrooms are a terrifying place, and hopefully, they don’t exist because if they did, no one would know what to do if they ended up in one of the levels. The entities, fluorescent lights, nostalgia, and just navigating through the levels would drive humans to insanity in just minutes, so it’s a great thing that people are not known to no-clip out of reality easily or no-clip out of reality at all. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections Mia Bonaventure - Prism By Mia Bonaventure November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2