Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections What is Climate Change? By Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by The NOAA Have you ever found yourself wondering why the winters are getting colder and colder? Or why there are more storms and hurricanes, and oceans seem warmer every summer? Well, all these are the effects of climate change and global warming. Climate change is the long-term change in the temperature and weather on Earth. These changes to the Earth’s temperature are caused by the burning of fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide and methane. These gases get trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that reflects off the Earth’s surface. As the heat accumulates in the atmosphere, temperatures rise. And though climate change is naturally occurring, human actions have been accelerating the rate of the phenomenon, causing irreversible damage to the environment, ecosystems, and the Earth as a whole. Over the past century, the Earth’s temperature has increased by 2°F, which may not seem like much, but it has severely impacted the environment. The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have decreased in mass through widespread melting; Greenland has lost about 279 billion tons of ice per year between 1993 and 2019. The global sea level has risen about 8 inches in the past 100 years, and the rate of sea level rising in last two decades has doubled and continues to increase. If it continues at this rate, coastal cities and towns will be flooded. Furthermore, the number of elevated temperature events in the U.S. are rising, as well as the number of intense rainfalls in the U.S. These are only a few of the effects of global warming and they will continue to become more severe over time. Though climate change will still affect our lives, we can still make efforts to reduce its effects on the Earth. Switching to LED lights bulbs and energy efficient electrical appliances can help conserve energy and fossil fuels. Walking or taking a bike to commute could also conserve energy. Just taking shorter showers and not throwing away as much food could help the environment. These may seem like small actions, but if enough people contribute, they will go a long way. So, see what you can do to help and save our planet! Sources: NASA: Climate Change and Global Warming Global Warming 101 - Definition, Facts, Causes and Effects of Global Warming | NRDC Burning of fossil fuels - Understanding Global Change (berkeley.edu) ClimateChange | United Nations BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Women Who Have Dominated the Grammys By Isabella Menjivar Volume 1 Issue 6 March 18, 2021 Original artwork by Isabella Menjivar Alison Krauss - She currently holds the record for female artist with the most Grammy awards. Her astounding number of awards comes from her work in Country music. In 2019, she was awarded a National Medal of Arts. Some of her well-known songs include “When You Say Nothing at All”, “Gone Gone Gone”, and “Paper Airplane”. Beyonce - After becoming a solo artist, she’s gone on to win 22 Grammy awards. Her 2017 Grammy performance sent an inspiring message of honoring women was a showstopper. Aside from the breathtaking visuals, at the performance she balanced on a floating chair while pregnant. Beyonce also holds the Grammy record for most nominations. Whitney Houston - With 6 Grammy awards and 25 nominations, the legendary singer’s most famous win was her song “I Will Always Love You” being awarded record of the year. Whitney’s powerhouse voice is unforgettable, and her performance at the 36th Grammy Awards featured fireworks, and her vocals were astounding. Taylor Swift - Her Grammy performances that feature incredible music, scenery, and background dancers are what makes her on the list to perform at the 2021 Grammys. Taylor’s 10 Grammy awards and 41 nominations are all products of her relatable music. Many different people make up her fan base because she has written country, pop, and indie music. Taylor is currently re-recording old music to officially hold rights to her records, all written by herself. BACK TO TOP

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Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections The Price of Wealth By Sumaiya Ramsaroop Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Original image provided by Getty Images Visualizing $1 Billion The human brain, though highly advanced, cannot fully grasp the magnitude of one billion dollars, let alone one trillion dollars. Through the lens of time, however, we can better visualize these large sums of wealth. One million seconds equals about 11.5 days. One billion seconds equals about 32 years. One trillion seconds equals about 31,710 years. Our ability to comprehend the expanse of one billion (or one trillion) dollars has never been more relevant than it is today. Today’s Billionaire Climate In the wake of COVID-19 and its ravaging effects on the country, markets have continued to grow, garnering an additional $406 billion for American billionaires between March 18 and April 29––a period when 30 million Americans filed for unemployment (McKeever). By the end of November, U.S. billionaires’ gains since the beginning of the pandemic have surpassed $1 trillion, all while debates over a second stimulus check have droned on in Congress (Collins). While 2020 marks one of the worst global economic crises, wealth trends between the top 1% and the bottom 50% have diverged against each other, with billionaires growing exponentially more wealthy, as middle and lower-class families choose between their safety and returning to the workforce, amidst a worsening pandemic. “How the Other Half Lives,” starkly contrasts with how the other 1% lives. As the wealth gap continues to widen, the U.S. houses more billionaires today than ever before. These trends beg the question––how are billionaires making their money? Billionaires ultimately acquire their heaps of wealth by two means: inheritance and/or the exploitation of the working class. On a global scale, nearly 42% of billionaires have either inherited their wealth entirely, or to a degree (Imberg & Shaban 16). The other 58% of billionaires are labeled by WealthX’s 2020 Billionaire Census as “self-made;” however, in understanding the expansive nature of a billion dollars—or tens of billions of dollars—no amount of individual effort can possibly achieve that amount of wealth. A moral implication of billionaires, particularly those “self-made,” lies in how they obtain their wealth—through the direct exploitation of the domestic and foreign working class. Exploiter & Exploited Jeff Bezos, the world’s wealthiest individual, exploits his employees by the threat of termination for taking breaks and/or going to the bathroom while working. The salary of an Amazon employee reflects a $15 minimum wage which results in a median annual worker pay of about $28,466; in contrast, Bezos makes more than $8,961,187 in just one hour alone (Hoffower). While the employees who maintain Bezos’s wealth qualify for food stamps and receive punishment for protesting the cutting of their $2 COVID-19 hazard pay, Bezos has only grown more wealthy, and by the billions. Now spearheaded by billionaire Tim Cook, the case of Apple brings another facet of worker exploitation to the table, as the first company to achieve a market value of $1 trillion relies heavily on outsourcing for its wealth. China Labor Watch, a nonprofit group working to ensure the fair treatment of Chinese laborers, shed light upon the company's rollback of safety training, withholding of bonus payments, as well as the employment of more temporary workers than permitted by Chinese labor laws (Albergotti). The nonprofit labelled this exploitation as a political and economic move on the behalf of Apple and their manufacturer, Foxconn, to absorb the cost of tariffs by maximizing their worker’s output. This isn’t the first time the Chinese industrial park, Foxconn City, has made the news. Beginning in 2010, a chain of suicides arose amongst laborers at the factory. Exploitative and torturesome working conditions in the Apple factory catalyzed the tens of suicides attempted by these laborers. Foxconn CEO, billionaire Terry Gou, responded to the deaths and continued attempts by installing “suicide nets” outside of the factory’s buildings and forcing workers to sign pledges stating they would not attempt suicide (Merchant). Gou’s immediate response lacked any reform to the exploitative nature of working conditions in his factory. A System of Billionaires “Self-made” billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs have undoubtedly revolutionized society with their ideas, but there comes a point when their wealth overwhelmingly depends on the productivity of their workers. And at this point, a billion dollars does not come from being self-made, it comes from being exploitative. This is merely the system––a system that leaves poor, undocumented immigrants, foreign workers, and minorities at a disproportionate likelihood of being exploited and overlooked by the government, and at the mercy of businesses whose harmful capitalistic efforts remain supported by national policy. So why don’t billion-dollar companies give back to those who made them a billion-dollars? Critics will say it’s not that simple. I have no interest in blatantly arguing that every billionaire lives with the cruel intention to exploit; however, I do acknowledge and remain firm in the belief that the system in which billionaires arise and operate is inherently cruel and exploitative. No individual person will ever require a wealth so magnitudinous that the human brain cannot comprehend its expanse. But every individual person deserves basic human rights and a simple sense of security. How we get there? That is for you and me to decide. Here’s to constructing a new system founded upon compassion and armored with integrity––where giving back is that simple. Albergotti, Reed. "Apple accused of worker violations in Chinese factories." The Washington Post , Sept. 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/09/09/apple-accused-worker-violations-chinese-factories-by-labor-rights-group/. Collins, Chuck. "US Billionaire Wealth Surges Past $1 Trillion Since Beginning of Pandemic." Inequality.org , 25 Nov. 2020, inequality.org/great-divide/u-s-billionaire-wealth-surges-past-1-trillion-since-beginning-of-pandemic/. Hoffower, Hillary. "We did the math to calculate how much money Jeff Bezos makes in a year, month, week, day, hour, minute, and second." Business Insider , 9 Jan. 2019, www.businessinsider.com/what-amazon-ceo-jeff-bezos-makes-every-day-hour-minute-2018-10. Imberg, Maya, and Maeen Shaban. Billionaire Census 2020 . WealthX, June 2020. WealthX , www.wealthx.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Wealth-X_Billionaire-Census_2020.pdf. McKeever, Vicky. "US billionaires boost collective wealth by $406 billion as markets rebound in the coronavirus pandemic, report finds." CNBC , 1 May 2020, www.cnbc.com/2020/05/01/us-billionaires-boost-wealth-by-406-billion-as-markets-rebound.html#:~:text=The%20United%20States%20now%20has,American%20households%2C%20the%20report%20highlighted. Merchant, Brian. "Life and Death in Apple's Forbidden City." The Guardian , 18 June 2017, www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jun/18/foxconn-life-death-forbidden-city-longhua-suicide-apple-iphone-brian-merchant-one-device-extract. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections NFL Playoff Predictions By John McCarthy Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by Sporting News The NFL Postseason is among us and the wild card and divisional rounds have already started a spark on the path for one team to become Super Bowl LV Champions and hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The hunt is now down to four teams, two representing the American Football Conference (AFC), two representing the National Football Conference (NFC). The new playoff format only allowed for one team in each conference a bye for the first round, giving their players and staff more rest. This past weekend, it was time for the Packers and Chiefs to show what they’ve got this postseason. First, let’s take a look at what I thought about the Divisional Round and how my predictions stacked up with reality. Rams at Packers I am sure I am not the only one surprised by the Rams’ win over the Seahawks in the Wild Card round. Seattle didn’t play their best, and the Rams capitalized. Now, they have to face the #1 seed Packers, who have a solid team all around, supported by great coaching and veteran leaders. Rams QB Jared Goff has shown he can be shaky in key games in the playoffs; luckily for him, he had a great supporting cast to take him to the Super Bowl two years ago. Now, that team has to face the Packers, a tougher challenge, and a bout I don’t think they can win. I take the Packers at home, 34 - 21. Result: Packers, 32 - 18 Ravens at Bills Lamar Jackson and the Ravens showed last week that they can rise to the occasion in January, when every game matters much more than the last. The Bills, on the other hand, eked out a win against the Colts. Buffalo, known for its cold and harsh environment late in the season may prove to be a problem for the visiting Ravens, or it can show off their strong running game with a quadruple-threat backfield of J.K Dobbins, Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, and Lamar Jackson. Both QBs have never been farther in the postseason, but I believe the Ravens are on a roll, and can go into Buffalo and take a win away from the Bills. 27 – 20 Ravens. Result: Bills, 17 - 3 Browns at Chiefs The Browns had an impressive showing against the Steelers in the first round scoring 48 points. The Steelers dug themselves a huge hole going down 28 - 0 in the first quarter. However, the Steelers fought to score 37 points in the last three quarters. The Browns have proven to be resilient this year, but the Chiefs present a formidable challenge with a high-powered offense and a defense that keeps improving. The Chiefs have been dominant all year, and I think they take the win at Arrowhead Stadium. 37 – 20 Chiefs Result: Chiefs, 22 - 17 Buccaneers at Saints Tom Brady and the Bucs have displayed their offensive weapons in the past few weeks, scoring an average of around 41 points each game for their past three games, winning all of them. However, the Saints boast one of the most explosive running backs in Alvin Kamara. In a battle between two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Brees and Brady, pass rush will be crucial to try to get these QBs off their game. In that regard, I give the edge to the Saints. With that box checked off, along with home field advantage, I’m predicting the Saints to win a close game, closing it out in the waning minutes. I would not be surprised if this game goes either way. 31 – 28 Saints Result: Buccaneers, 30 - 20 Going forward, I think the Chiefs and the Packers will go on to the Super Bowl. Both teams were dominant all year long with great teams and minimal weaknesses. It comes down to the game plan and surprising players coming up clutch to make big plays when it counts. In the big game, I think we will have repeat champs with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs getting the glory in Super Bowl LV! BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Jodi Vaison - What is Line By Jodi Vaison November 1, 2020 Marker Volume 1 Issue 1

Back to Articles Polaris, Fiction Back to Sections The Deity and the Child Alanna Tieschmaker Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by iStock Editor's Note: This is the third part of a series. The first two parts were previously released in POLARIS. When he opened his eyes, the blinding light made him close them immediately. He tried to bring his arm over his eyes, but they would not move. Blinking rapidly, Kendrick slowly adjusted to the sun. His head was pounding, and images danced under his eyelids as he fully awoke.  The first thing he registered was the amount of green. The grass and bushes and trees were all a healthy bright green. Kendrick had never seen a color so bright. Where was he?  Looking around, he found that on all sides thorny bushes boxed him in. There was enough space to lay down at least. Finally, he looked towards his arms, wondering why he could not move them. Thick vines twisted over his torso, pinning his arms and keeping him on the ground.  He tried to sit up, but it was no use. He could not move.  A panic began to well inside him. He hated being stuck in one place. His parents would always say he moved too much. They would put him in the closet and keep him there, ignoring his shivering sobs and pitiful cries for them. This was like the closet but 10 times worse. At least in the closet he could move his arms, fiddle with his fingers, wrap his arms around himself in a gesture of self-comfort.  His vision was blurred by his own tears, his panic preventing any chance of rational thoughts. He continued to thrash on the ground, movements becoming more frantic after each failed attempt.  Due to his frenzy, he was unable to hear the sounds of someone approaching. The retraction of the bushes went unnoticed, as did the thundering steps that grew closer every second. The vines suddenly unraveled, and Kendrick could move again.  He folded inwards, wrapping his arms around himself and cherishing the movement of his arms. Even with his mobility returned to him, it took a few minutes to regain control of his breathing and register who was in front of him. “W-who are you?” Kendrick quietly asked. The being in front of him did not respond, but instead continued to stare undauntingly at him.  Courage returning, his next question was asked in a steadier, albeit still timid voice. “What do you want from me?”  No response. The silence threatened to overwhelm them. Finally, the figure turned and gestured towards the entrance in the bushes. “Follow.” His voice commanded power and left no room for argument. He began to walk towards the exit. Kendrick slowly climbed to his feet, unsure of what to do. His parents always told him not to follow strangers, but this man was much bigger and scarier. Plus, he thought, maybe his parents were lying to him. After all, they weren’t the nicest to him. Maybe the scary people are nice, like how the not-scary people are mean. Reassured, Kendrick followed the man. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Prism Back to Sections Cianna Nadal - Prism By Cianna Nadal November 24, 2020 Volume 1 Issue 2

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Nassau County Sports on Hold By Joseph Garofalo Volume 1 Issue 2 November 24, 2020 Original photo from VSN Spartans Instagram On August 26th, 2020, many student-athletes were left unsettled after hearing the dreadful news that all Nassau County sports would be postponed till the beginning of 2021. As the season was originally postponed from the start date of August 26th to September 4th, many students were hopeful that with guidance given by Governor Andrew Cuomo, they would be able to return to some normalcy after the devastating cancellation of their Spring season due to the novel coronavirus. As Nassau was the first county to postpone sports in New York State, Suffolk and Westchester counties followed similar protocols to protect the well-being of athletes and coaches alike. Per Nassau County’s Section 8 athletics guidelines, January 4th, 2021 is the official restart date for Sports on Long Island. This will be the beginning of the Winter Sports season which includes indoor Track and Field, Basketball, Wrestling, Competitive Cheerleading, Bowling, Fencing, Rifle and Gymnastics at Valley Stream North. The season to follow would be the belated Fall season beginning on March 1st, 2021. This includes include Football, Soccer, Cross Country, Volleyball, Girls Tennis, and Sideline Cheer. The final season beginning on April 22nd, 2021 would be the delayed Spring season which includes Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball, Outdoor Track and Field, Badminton, and Boys Tennis. Due to this delay, the Spring sports season is expected to finish on June 14th, 2020, a week before New York State proctors their Regents Exams. Even so, coaches of all seasons encourage their student-athletes to continue training and staying in shape, as the seasons will be starting again soon. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections North's Snowball By Rachel Ezeadichie Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by North Student On January 27th, 2023, North High School hosted its first Snowball catered to its 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. Located in the school cafetorium, the night consisted of food, drinks, and plenty of dancing. Multiple contests, such as dancing and joke competitions, were held throughout the night. Prizes included gift cards from different food chains such as Dunkin Donuts. The cafetorium was expertly decorated by students and members of our extracurriculars, including the National Junior Honor Society, who decorated, watched, and helped clean up after the dance. The Snowball was a massive success among the underclassmen of North. It being the first official dance for underclassmen made it very popular among the 7th and 8th graders, with some 9th graders enjoying it as well. Even outside the school-sanctioned parts of the dance, people still managed to create their own fun. Multiple dance circles were formed, which allowed different students to step out of their comfort zones and dance the night away. The event also created opportunities for underclassmen to meet and socialize outside school hours. Many are busy during the school week and on the weekends, so an event that prioritized the socialization of the underclassmen was highly appreciated. With a total of over 120 students attending, the Snowball has definitely engraved itself into the mind of many underclassmen and has changed the way we view school events forever. BACK TO TOP