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Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Zohran Mamdani: Stepping up Socialism Breeana Bernabe Volume 6 Issue 2 December 22, 2025 Image Provided by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images As the New York City mayoral election drew closer, candidate Zohran Mamdani continued to garner increasing attention. Mamdani, the official nominee of the Democratic Party, has made waves nationwide as he seeks to implement socialist policies in a city that thrives on capitalism. In a country where socialism is negatively associated with communism, it is a surprise that Mamdani's candidacy has been widely embraced by New Yorkers. But what has driven Mamdani to gain his leading position in general election polls, and actually win, and how is his candidacy important on a national scale? Mamdani’s political campaign was heavily based on advocating for the everyday, middle-class individual, a premise that heavily resonates with New York City residents who struggle with affordability. Socialism is a concept that is often viewed or discussed with disdain due to its association with communism; but what sets Mamdani apart from other mayoral candidates was his promise to serve the people through bringing government driven projects to improve the everyday lives of New Yorkers. The key aspects of Zohran for New York City are to implement fare-free transportation, lower grocery prices, freeze rent, and establish a Department of Community Safety, all of which are policies rooted in socialist principles. For example, in order to lower grocery prices, Mamdani and his team plan to create "city-owned grocery stores focused on keeping prices low, not making a profit," in which these groceries, "without having to pay rent or property taxes, will reduce overhead and pass on savings to shoppers" (Zohran for NYC). Rather than having multiple corporations compete for demand and survival through passing prices onto consumers, Mamdani believes that city-owned grocery stores will help bring affordability to the everyday person. Another promising aspect of the political campaign is fare-free transportation. However, this will be difficult to accomplish because the MTA is not city-owned but a product of the state (Metropolitan Transport Authority). This means that to deliver this promise, Mamdani will require approval from the state, not just city officials. Nevertheless, the premise of fare-free transportation is to source funding from government collected tax rather than taking the MTA. Other proposals such as freezing rent and creating a new Department of Community Safety will also place the burden of affordability on the city rather than middle-class residents.  All these proposals seem enticing on the surface, but how will Mamdani draw in funding to bring these promises to reality? The answer is to raise taxes on corporations to 11.5%, and to the wealthy 1% of New York City residents with a flat 2% tax, bringing billions of dollars to fund city projects (Zohran for NYC). These taxes have become incredibly controversial among the elite, to the point where billionaires have donated millions of dollars in opposition to Mamdani's campaign. According to Forbes , Ackman has indeed put $1.75 million into political groups spending against Mamdani," and "26 [other] billionaires and members of billion-dollar families from around the country have sunk at least $100,000 each into supporting Cuomo" (Khan-Mullins). To the elite, socialism poses a threat that will confiscate a huge portion of their wealth – a value unfathomable to the everyday worker. Mamdani's campaign places emphasis on making the city more accessible to middle and lower-income households. The aggression between Mamdani’s campaign and the elite ultimately creates a battle between the people and the wealthy. Overall, socialism in a city like New York is unheard of because the city itself thrives on competition among businesses to create a lively economic scene. New York City hosts "a population of around 8.3 million that is ethnically and culturally diverse" and "its economy is the largest in New York State and among the largest in the world," (New York City – Federal Reserve Bank). This made Mamdani's candidacy incredibly important on a national scale because as a member of the Democratic Party, he continues to make headlines by pushing for what are considered Leftist policies. Therefore, Zohran's stepping up as a socialist candidate in affluent New York City is relevant throughout the country, as his campaign poses a step toward the increasing acceptance of socialist policies and ideology nationwide. Sources "Zohran for NYC." Zohran for NYC , www.zohranfornyc.com . “Metropolitan Transportation Authority.”  Budget New York , www.budget.ny.gov/pubs/archive/fy24/ex/agencies/appropdata/MetropolitanTransportationAuthority.html . Accessed 27 Oct. 2025. Khan-Mullins, Kyle. "Anyone but Mamdani: These Billionaires Are Spending Big to Stop Him from Becoming NYC's Mayor." Forbes , 24 Oct. 2025, www.forbes.com/sites/kylemullins/2025/10/24/anyone-but-mamdani-these-billionaires-are-spending-big-to-stop-him-from-becoming-nycs-mayor New York City - FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK . www.newyorkfed.org/regional-economy/profiles/newyorkcity BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Movies to Watch this Halloween Hydrangea, Staff Writer Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by Depositphotos Halloween is upon us once again, and with it comes the desire to watch horror films—or just something a little creepy! If you are looking for something to watch this Halloween, this article contains eight movies; whether you’re looking for something a little more fun, or you’re a horror fanatic, I hope I’ll be able to give you something new to watch or reintroduce you to an old favorite! (DISCLAIMER: Not every film on here is suitable for all students, especially younger ones. Even those with PG or PG-13 ratings may contain content that can be inappropriate for some.) Wendell and Wild (2022, dir. Henry Selick; PG-13) When Kat Elliot, an orphaned teenager with mysterious powers attending a Catholic school, summons demon brothers Wendell and Wild after they promise they will resurrect her parents. Kat, her classmate, a teacher with similar powers, and a demon-hunting janitor are pulled into an adventure full of zombies, cover-ups, punk rock, and criticism of the American prison system. While not quite scary, Henry Selick’s latest film, featuring the ever-hilarious Key and Peele duo, is a fun one to watch this month. Beetlejuice (1988, dir. Tim Burton; PG leaning PG-13) After a car accident, a young couple finds themselves stuck as ghosts haunting their own house. When unbearable new tenants and their mysterious daughter move in, they do everything in their power to try to scare them out—attracting a self-proclaimed “bio-exorcist” named Beetlejuice who causes even more trouble. More funny than scary, this is a great film to watch if you just want to get in the Halloween spirit! Coraline (2009, dir. Henry Selick; PG) Based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name, this stop-motion animated movie follows a girl named Coraline and her discovery of another world that seems so much better than her own…that is, until its version of her family tries to keep her there forever! Admittedly, I’ve never finished this film, but I still think it’s an amazing movie that anyone who loves stop-motion animation should check out. Scream (1996, dir. Wes Craven; R) In this classic slasher, a girl named Sidney Prescott and her friends, cross paths with a masked killer terrorizing their town. This movie, full of twists and self-aware humor, is a must-watch for any newcomer to horror. M3GAN (2022, dir. Gerard Johnstone; PG-13) A sci-fi and horror mashup for the ages, this movie tells the story of M3GAN, a life-like robot programmed to be the perfect companion for children. When its inventor unexpectedly gains custody of her young niece, she uses the robot for assistance—but things get violent when it starts attacking anything it deems a threat to the girl. The Conjuring (2013, dir. James Wan; R) Moving is always a stressful event, but at least you’ll probably never be as unlucky as the Perrons, who find themselves haunted by an evil spirit in their new house. This film kickstarted a franchise that is still going strong today—a spin-off, The Nun II , just hit theatres back in September. IT (2017, dir. Andy Muschietti; R) Based on the classic Stephen King novel, a group of kids are terrorized by a demon who feeds off fear and have to overcome their various fears in order to defeat it. This movie follows the first half of the novel, while the second half is adapted into a sequel. Carrie (1976, Dir. Brian De Palma; R) Another Stephen King adaptation, this film follows Carrie White, a shy teenager bullied relentlessly at school and abused by her ultra-religious mother, who discovers that she has psychic powers. Things begin looking up for her when she is asked to prom by a popular boy and is even crowned Prom Queen—but when one final prank is played on her, things go terribly wrong. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Midterm Elections 2022 - Exit Poll Analysis By Everton Prospere Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by CNN On November 8th, 2022, the United States hosted a series of elections throughout the nation. These elections, called midterms (as they fall between presidential elections) play a pivotal role in deciding the balance of power between the two major parties in the country: the Democrats and the Republicans. Midterm elections also highlight demographic trends among various groups of voters. In order to measure these developments, surveys of voters as they leave a polling station, known as exit polls, are used. Before the midterms, most of the nation expected a “red wave,” in which the Republican Party would take a majority in both houses of Congress. The media, particularly right-wing outlets, predicted this trend through partisan sources. It is factual that during midterms, the sitting president’s party is likely to lose seats, as campaign promises do not reflect their current political agenda; for example, this happened to George W. Bush, with the exception of the midterms after 9/11, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. However, a difference occurred in this election: the Democratic Party lost an extremely small number of seats compared to the predicted value, especially with Joseph Biden in office. This can largely be attributed to multiple events that occurred in the summer, including the Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade and the large number of right-wing extremist candidates running for office who could not appeal to voters, such as Kari Lake, a far right extremist in Arizona. In addition, as previously stated, the media projected the idea of an anticipated “red wave.” Regardless of this perception, according to Rutgers University, the media uses “anecdotal evidence” to add “depth” and detail on reports; despite this, these outlets fail to objectively view polling, which, according to researchers, did not indicate a full Republican takeover in this election cycle. Statistically speaking, exit polls offer important insight on the performance of different demographic groups between both dominating parties. As per NBC News, 58% of White citizens polled voted for Republicans while 40% voted Democrat. In contrast, 68% of non-White citizens voted Democrat while 30% voted Republican. This trend, overall, shows a continued support of minority populations for Democrats, while the majority of Whites vote Republican. When age is used as a lens, a large percentage of young voters, ages 18-24, according to CNN, vote Democrat compared to Republican, 61% versus 36%, respectively. However, the gap between these parties decreases as age increases, with voters 65 and older voting more Republican than Democrat, 55% versus 43%, respectively. While, at a glance, these statistics show that Democrats have a large amount of support across age groups, it should be noted that young citizens have the lowest voter turnout rate in the entire country. Political scientists largely attribute this issue to difficulties with voter registration and election knowledge due to a focus on college studies rather than politics. While these polls offer a broad outlook on the outcome of the 2022 elections, these midterms also pave the way for the 2024 presidential elections. Researchers will continue to analyze these results to determine trends and voter tendencies in the coming election cycles. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections An Interview With Ms. Scheurer By Alisson Alas Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by Allison Alas This year we welcomed many permanent subs here at North, which was much needed. Our newest subs are some of North's next generation staff members, and they seem to be doing a great job handling their new teaching environment. I truly admire them all, and hopefully, one day, I'll be able to be part of them here at North. I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Scheurer, who has subbed for many of my classes and has given me great advice on the teaching environment. What's something that you are really looking forward to in your first year at North? “Building my skill sets needed to be a teacher. This year I hope to find my pedagogy as a teacher and build a foundational basis for one day when I have my own classroom.” What's a piece of advice you would want young kids who want to be teachers to know? “Time management is key. It is best to learn to manage both an academic, social and emotional balance. Communication is key with your teachers and peers.” Are you originally from Valley Stream or Franklin Square? “No, I’m not.” Do you like your job so far ? “Yes. It has not always been the easiest to transition into a new job in a new school but both the admin, faculty and students have made me feel welcome.” What inspired you to become a teacher? “Being able to help students both academically and with mental health related matters.” When you were in high school did any teachers inspire you to want to become a teacher? “My high school Social Studies teacher for 9th and 10th grade.” BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Graveyard Blues Jasmine Roberts Volume 6 Issue 3 June 8, 2026 Image Provided by Mohammad Arshad On October 29 th , I visited my first cemetery in the Huntington area of Long Island, aptly named Old Burial Ground, because of its historical lineage as one of the first cemeteries implemented in Huntington which became a sight which staged a “heinous” scene during the American Revolution. (Old Burying Ground (17th Century) & Fort Golgotha). For me any cemetery represented the lands of ungodly evil. There were habits I committed to as a youth, that exemplified my terror of the groaning and greying world which crossed and lingered unspoken with our own. For instance, whenever my family and I drove past a cemetery, I would quickly suck in my breath close to my chest, back erect to retain it, as if my life was a secret which needed to be kept close to my heart and away from the dead and buried. Even if the stretch was long and the graveyard followed along like one giant stone snake, I found it hard to let go of my breath or I would be susceptible to possession. In that time of my life, I was educated wrongly about the truths of life and death. Death is seen as both sacred, yet its consequences wicked within my household. All souls live purely, and once they are dead, they become wicked. This is why I held my breath. However, many things happened to me in the short expanse of my life from youth to young adult. I can assure you that I no longer hold my breath. Now when I see a cemetery, I stretch over the barrier between my car door and the tiny grey curtain walls of a kingdom that I would soon visit, tomorrow or maybe a million years from now. My eyes grow wide, and I now let out a breath in amazement at the beauty of a chipped mausoleum, or the simplicity of a grey flash in the corner of my eyes. So, when I stepped foot upon the sodden grassy lands of The Old Burial Ground with nothing but my phone, which only took photos with a fractured phantom of a line running down the middle, and my tote bag which holds some of my earnest treasures. I was on a mission. There were others who accompanied me on this little journey of mine up and down the hill, maybe for them I came across like the snow, silent and quick to slip between your fingers, as I left them to venture toward every crack and every raised root of a tree. Nevertheless, for me I was daring something utterly new. After years of practiced understanding that death and horror, the macabre and the morbid, were all little weeds planted by the Devil, simply walking into a cemetery was the same as climbing Mount Everest and I must admit, it was a glorious accomplishment when I found myself at the top of that steep hill, looking over at all the living while I stood amongst the dead like Pluto upon his throne. That down there were more people scared of the dead than I felt; I felt invincible and for once I was not scared. Amongst the dead, I felt livelier and there I realized underneath the swaying maiden that was a weeping tree that Autumn morning, I felt safe. After that one visit, I was enraptured, a new curiosity was spiked within my soul. I had found a key and was only searching for more to add to my silver ring. A rural cemetery is defined as “a pleasure garden instead of a place for graves” (The Rural Cemetery Movement), cited by Fanny Kemble in a piece by Wilson Center Dig Lab. The Old Burying Ground is a more simplistic example of a rural cemetery. However, a more handsome cemetery awaits in Brooklyn, New York named Greenwood Cemetery, founded in 1838 during rapid Industrialization, to solve the problem of overcrowding within churchyards. Arguably considered, “Brooklyn’s first public park by default long before Prospect Park was created.” (White & Willenksy). Around 600,000 graves make residences and 7,000 trees. (Glenn) From photos alone, it resides as a hidden treasure. To simply enter its magnificence, one must walk underneath an arching behemoth of angular, jaunty, and gracefully shaped gates which hint to the influence of Gothic architecture, designed by Richard Upjohn. To be buried in Greenwood Cemetery would be like retiring to the Ritz Carlton. Amongst death, life blooms relentlessly in the posse of vibrant grasses and trees which guard the daises. Even the residences of the dead are fabulous. One short walk along Camelia Path, might lead one from a tomb of the gothic to a monument of the Egyptian Revival. Greenwood Cemetery is the second home in New York City. It reflects, even in its aesthetics, the diversity of the city. It represents how cultures and contexts come together in the city, not to assimilate and repeat the same tomb, but instead clash and differ, but knit together to form an exciting landscape which would transform death from once a tragedy into a romantic necessity of a beautiful life. Microsoft Word - Old Burying Ground.doc The Rural Cemetery Movement · The Oconee Hill Cemetery Project · Death and Human History in Athens   White, Norval  & Willensky, Elliot (2000).  AIA Guide to New York City  (4th ed.). New York: Three Rivers Press.  ISBN   978-0-8129-3107-5 .  p. 687. Collins, Glenn (April 1, 2004).  "Ground as Hallowed as Cooperstown; Green-Wood Cemetery, Home to 200 Baseball Pioneers" .  The New York Times .  ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved July 28, 2019. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Science & Technology Back to Sections The Neuroscience of Summer Vacation By Alyssa Garufi and Hannah Lee Volume 2 Issue 7 June 13, 2022 Image provided by Manual Red Eye As the school year comes to an end, most students begin to experience improved moods and excitement for summer. Summer is a time of year in which students do not have to worry about school or tests; it is a break from the constant cycle of work during the school year, whether through a prolonged trip to another country or even just an escape to the local beach. Vacations lead to a change in a student’s life from the usual rhythms of school during the summer. This change in routine can limit an individual’s stress and anxiety and cause them to feel happier and more adventurous. There is no doubt that summer vacation imbues significant improvements in an individual's health; however, some research shows that it is not only the lack of school that causes these improvements, but the very science behind the summer season has shown to limit mental fatigue.  The neuroscience of summer vacation starts with the increased prevalence of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential component of the human body that comes from the sun. It is good for the absorption of iron, proper function of the immune system, wound healing, and maintenance of cartilage, helping an individual sustain a healthy life. However, during the winter months, there is less sun exposure, resulting in a widespread vitamin D deficiency among individuals. There is a great correlation between vitamin D deficiency and mental illness, usually resulting in depression, chronic stress, and anxiety. It is the very vitamins themselves that come from the sun that makes summer as appealing as it is. Not only does the sun give you excess vitamin D, but so does exercise. The more physical activity you partake in, the more vitamin D your body produces, thus decreasing levels of stress and anxiety. The summer climate also plays an important role in this production of vitamin D, since increased temperatures mean there is a greater chance of an individual running around and partaking in physical activity outdoors, like swimming. The summer season has a strong correlation between increased levels of vitamin D in the body, and thus greater well-being.   In addition to an increase in vitamin D during the summer days, there is also more time for physical activity. While many of us may instinctually want to rest and relax, it is incredibly important to ensure that we take some time for physical activity during the summer break as well, due to the numerous benefits it yields to our mental health. A recent meta-analysis of studies found that aerobic exercise prevents age-related deterioration in the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain that controls memory and learning. As we age, our hippocampus shrinks, thus decreasing our ability to remember and learn information. People who make time for aerobic exercises, such as running, hiking, or swimming, demonstrate a much slower rate of deterioration. This allows the hippocampus, and our memory and learning skills, to remain intact much longer than those who did not exercise. Making time for this sort of exercise is incredibly important in maintaining our brain health, and during the summer we have plenty of time to do so. The exercise required doesn’t have to be extreme, it could be anything from a bike ride to the store or a morning walk around your neighborhood. By increasing your physical activity during the summer break, you can easily improve your brain health and decrease the rate at which your hippocampus shrinks. Summer vacation also gives us the time to relax and take a break. As many scientists have already concluded, cell phone addictions are a prevalent problem in many people. We use our cell phones for nearly everything, and it is rare that we are found without our phones. Most of our population has a cell phone by the age of 12, and an even greater percentage has a phone by the age of 14. A 2015 study found that 63% of American university students had an evident cell phone addiction (Scheyer). Addictive behavior dysregulates the reward system of the brain. It leaves a lasting impact on both behavioral and emotional domains such as reward anticipation, judgements, and rational decision-making skills by altering the dopamine levels in the brain. An addiction to cell phones is correlated with loneliness, poor sleep, and chronic stress, which all lead to chronic inflammation in the brain. This increases the rate of neurodegeneration, decreases cognitive function, and causes issues such as chronic anxiety and depression. Vacation can allow us to disconnect from our cell phones, thus allowing us to recuperate from the stress induced by our always-connected lifestyle. Taking a break from our cell phones is incredibly important, as it will relieve the anxiety and stress that comes from always being on them. Breaking our constant connection to our cell phones during our summer vacation will allow us to relieve some of the depression and loneliness that results from our phones. This also helps us break our addiction to cell phones as well, allowing the effect on our behavioral and emotional domains to be lessened. Overall, summer break can help us in many ways. Increasing our levels of vitamin D intake, raising our levels of physical activity, and decreasing the amount of time spent on our cell phones will allow us to relax and limit our mental fatigue. This allows us to increase our brain health by decreasing the prevalence of mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Scientific studies have found that taking a break such as summer results in decreases in the psychological measures of stress and depression, as well as improved brain health. However, while it is important for us to focus on improving our brain health, it is also important for us to focus on ourselves during this break. Ensure that you enjoy your time off so you can be refreshed and re-energized for the upcoming school year! Source: The Neuroscience of Summer Vacation - Maze Engineers (conductscience.com) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections First Song Recommendations of the Issue By Logan Balsan Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by MacNews Hello, Entertainment section! I’m Logan Balsan, with a new idea for a running article in this section: song recommendations. I am a member of both North’s Band and Orchestra, and I love playing and listening to several music genres, from classical music to the modern day. I am sure you can add a new song to your workout playlist or to your casual listening playlist from this list. I will be writing in each issue of the North Star until June, so each article will have five songs that I personally recommend. Song #1- I first started listening to this song when a friend recommended it to me. One of the most popular Beach Boys hits, whether you are actually on the beach, or longing for summer to come, this song can fill that void. With the catchy and groovy guitar riff played multiple times throughout the song, you can totally feel the beat and sing along to this song. This is also on the Varsity Boys Volleyball Warmup Playlist. Song #2- This is personally one of the songs I listen to while I drive to and from school. The drum set and the guitar riffs in the beginning set the tone for the rest of the song. First introduced to this song over the summer of 2020, I have grown to enjoy several of E.L.O’s songs, and “Don’t Bring Me Down” my favorite. I sing along whenever it comes on, and it’s even on my workout playlist. Song #3- I started listening to this song almost two weeks ago, and I mainly do so while working out as well as on my car playlist. This song motivates me and helps me raise my mindset whether it be prior to a volleyball game or the end of a workout set. This is also on the Varsity Boys Volleyball Warmup Playlist. Song #4- I first heard this song on Channel 25, aka Classic Rewind, on the radio as my family and I were travelling home from a trip to Pennsylvania in February. I listen to this song more when I’m winding down or ending a long day at school or work. The acoustic guitar is not as intense or heavy as the electric guitars in both “I Get Around” and “Don’t Bring Me Down,” and is therefore more soothing and comforting. Sometimes I listen to this on my way home from school or work when I want to relax and unwind. Song #5- Any fellow fans of country rock? This isn’t Johnny Cash, but it’s one of my favorites that I sing along to often in the car. The profound use (and battle of) of violins bring out the old country style in this song. If you like country rock and haven’t heard of this song, I highly recommend you check this out! Alright, folks. That’s a wrap for my first song recommendation article. See you next issue! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Ask Ala: Friends By Ala Paruch Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by Infared Q. Dear Ala, I am in seventh grade and I don't have many friends. I had a lot of friends in elementary school, but most of them went to Memorial. That on top of Covid-19 is making it difficult for me to talk to the ones that are in North. It is hard for me to socialize because we have to wear masks and socially distance. Do you have any advice to help me make new friends? Sincerely, “Too” Socially Distant A. Hello and thank you for the question! Making friends in this new environment is definitely something we have to get used to. Firstly, I would advise you to try to still talk to your friends that went to Memorial. You already have a connection, and it would be a shame to just let that go without trying. To make new friends at North, I would join some clubs that interest you, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the people who attend them. You can check out the Virtual Club Fair channel on the North High School Team and see what clubs you might like. Hope this helps! Q. Dear Ala, My friend and I are starting to fight a lot more often, and it usually ends with us not talking to each other for a while. I always try to avoid arguing, but sometimes we just start to disagree, and disagreeing turns into arguing, and arguing turns into not talking to each other for days on end. How do I avoid fights with my friend so that we don't engage in passive-aggressive bickering almost every day? From, Arguing Friend A. Hello and thank you for the question! It seems to me that you and your friend have to realize having different opinions is not bad thing. Everyone has different viewpoints on situations and topics, and disagreeing is inevitable. Additionally, when you realize that the “disagreeing” is turning into “arguing,” that might be a good point to take a moment for yourself and calm down. Taking time to sort things out is also not bad, it is actually crucial. Keeping up a relationship, any type, requires work and patience such as talking things out and taking time for yourself. If you are not in the right space, keeping up a friendship is off the list. Hope this helps and good luck! Q. Dear Ala, I'm angry at one of my friends, but I don't know how to let her know. I've tried giving her subtle hints, but she either doesn't notice or doesn't care. Since she can be sensitive sometimes, I'm afraid that if I tell her, she'll take it too much to heart. I just really don't want to ruin the friendship. Thanks for your help, Sensitive Friend A. Hello and thank you for the question! The best option would be to just confront her about it. Be straightforward with what is bothering you. If the matter is important to you, it will also be important to her. I’m glad you are trying to look out for her and consider the fact that she is sensitive. However, after this much effort, you can’t keep sacrificing your emotions for her. This will be a little bit of a wakeup call for her to pay closer attention to what you are trying to tell her in the future. Good luck! 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