Barbie Joke
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Micah Lasher Visits Bank Street
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Several weeks ago, Micah Lasher, Director of Policy for Governor Hochul’s administration, was a guest at a Bank Street’s social justice club meeting. We were lucky enough to ask him some questions about his perspective on government and policy. He talked about issues ranging from the deep divides in our government to his own personal hero.
The Growing Influence of Money in Sports
Ethan, 13/14s
*Disclaimer: this article makes no mention of the fact that athletes making this amount of money is absolutely absurd because that is an even more complicated issue that needs to be addressed. So for the sake of this article, please read and enjoy but understand this amount of money for anyone is concerning and an enormous issue in itself.*
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In a capitalist society, money means everything. Nearly anything can be bought for the right price. Now, in professional sports that is the case as well.
For the longest time, sports were based more upon skill and the players competing rather than the owner watching from above. Currently, these owners obtain all the power and can determine a franchise’s chances based on the amount of money they are willing to spend. Take Steve Cohen for example, the current owner of the New York Mets. He promised championships and now has committed millions of dollars to free agents in this offseason alone. Put simply, he is spending more than anyone expected and breaking the bank for a game. Now, he has set an example for future billionaires who seek to buy championships. Sports has always been a business but the rapid advancements of this narrative have been far sooner than expected. If something does not change it could continue to harm the sports industry as a whole.
Only a mere 20 years ago, the most expensive sports player was Alex Rodriguez. His unprecedented, 10 year, $252 million contract was the largest of all time and nearly double that of the next closest competitor. Consider that recently, some of sports’ biggest stars are getting paid nearly double that amount of money in the common era. Steph Curry, a basketball player for the Golden State Warriors is making $215 million, for four years. To put that in perspective, he is making only$40 million less than A-Rod did for six less years of play. Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, is making nearly 210 million per year with his new Saudi Arabian soccer team. To make this simple, players are getting paid so much money as franchises and owners seek championships. These owners are slowly ruining sports by signing players for an absurd amount of money and diminishing the value of true talent and work in the process. Sports used to be about passion and a love for playing a game. Now, players only play for the money aspect of it. Ofcourse, playing sports can be a profession, but one that pays ridiculous amounts of money for a game is not the right answer.
For newcomers it is even more important to establish themselves as a superstar but that can be extremely difficult with a future hall of famer making millions more than them standing in the way. To make matters worse, the entire idea of sports will soon change due to this dilemma. In modern day sports, coaches are pressured by the board and upper executives to always play those who are making the most money even if they are not necessarily the best for the position. Currently, players being paid the most money will always have the upperhand. Picture a sports icon like Tom Brady being benched for his poor play and being replaced with an unknown rookie. Years ago, this could have been something that happened but in today’s sports economy that is relatively unknown. Now, that never happens due to the amount of money committed to superstars.Soon enough, phenomena such as the San Francisco 49’s Brock Purdy may never be discovered again because superstars, getting paid more, are constantly picked to play instead. Brock Purdy was an unknown rookie who became an instant star after winning six straight games as a third string quarterback. Soon, this will be gone as rookies like this will never be able to establish themselves with more famous players getting the stars in their stead.
Sports have already begun to change for the worse. Massive contracts are being handed out like candy to kids on Halloween. Eventually, money will dominate sports so much that league commissioners and executives will need to take a stand and change the rules for the better. In some sports, such as hockey, a hard cap has been installed to moderate how much owners can spend. If nothing is changed then it will result in billionaires buying sports franchises and using their money to win more sports titles. It starts with rules against giving free agents too much money but even that is a tall task. Billionaire owners like Steve Cohen may never stop spending and until something is changed, the sports world will continue to crumble. Unless something is changed, billionaires with the right motives will continue to diminish the value of hard work and talent in sports. In the end, young kids aspire to be playing sports at the highest level but by the time they get there, the sport they know and love today could be gone, all because of money.
For the longest time, sports were based more upon skill and the players competing rather than the owner watching from above. Currently, these owners obtain all the power and can determine a franchise’s chances based on the amount of money they are willing to spend. Take Steve Cohen for example, the current owner of the New York Mets. He promised championships and now has committed millions of dollars to free agents in this offseason alone. Put simply, he is spending more than anyone expected and breaking the bank for a game. Now, he has set an example for future billionaires who seek to buy championships. Sports has always been a business but the rapid advancements of this narrative have been far sooner than expected. If something does not change it could continue to harm the sports industry as a whole.
Only a mere 20 years ago, the most expensive sports player was Alex Rodriguez. His unprecedented, 10 year, $252 million contract was the largest of all time and nearly double that of the next closest competitor. Consider that recently, some of sports’ biggest stars are getting paid nearly double that amount of money in the common era. Steph Curry, a basketball player for the Golden State Warriors is making $215 million, for four years. To put that in perspective, he is making only$40 million less than A-Rod did for six less years of play. Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, is making nearly 210 million per year with his new Saudi Arabian soccer team. To make this simple, players are getting paid so much money as franchises and owners seek championships. These owners are slowly ruining sports by signing players for an absurd amount of money and diminishing the value of true talent and work in the process. Sports used to be about passion and a love for playing a game. Now, players only play for the money aspect of it. Ofcourse, playing sports can be a profession, but one that pays ridiculous amounts of money for a game is not the right answer.
For newcomers it is even more important to establish themselves as a superstar but that can be extremely difficult with a future hall of famer making millions more than them standing in the way. To make matters worse, the entire idea of sports will soon change due to this dilemma. In modern day sports, coaches are pressured by the board and upper executives to always play those who are making the most money even if they are not necessarily the best for the position. Currently, players being paid the most money will always have the upperhand. Picture a sports icon like Tom Brady being benched for his poor play and being replaced with an unknown rookie. Years ago, this could have been something that happened but in today’s sports economy that is relatively unknown. Now, that never happens due to the amount of money committed to superstars.Soon enough, phenomena such as the San Francisco 49’s Brock Purdy may never be discovered again because superstars, getting paid more, are constantly picked to play instead. Brock Purdy was an unknown rookie who became an instant star after winning six straight games as a third string quarterback. Soon, this will be gone as rookies like this will never be able to establish themselves with more famous players getting the stars in their stead.
Sports have already begun to change for the worse. Massive contracts are being handed out like candy to kids on Halloween. Eventually, money will dominate sports so much that league commissioners and executives will need to take a stand and change the rules for the better. In some sports, such as hockey, a hard cap has been installed to moderate how much owners can spend. If nothing is changed then it will result in billionaires buying sports franchises and using their money to win more sports titles. It starts with rules against giving free agents too much money but even that is a tall task. Billionaire owners like Steve Cohen may never stop spending and until something is changed, the sports world will continue to crumble. Unless something is changed, billionaires with the right motives will continue to diminish the value of hard work and talent in sports. In the end, young kids aspire to be playing sports at the highest level but by the time they get there, the sport they know and love today could be gone, all because of money.
shown she is determined to be a part of activism. Now, she is putting words to her commitment. January 22, 2023, should have been the 50th anniversary of Roe V. Wade, the Supreme Court case which granted people the right to an abortion. However, the case was recently overturned, leaving many with no idea what to do next. January 22, 2023, was also the day that Lizzo clarified her stance on the issue.
Just a month ago, the Upper School got an announcement that our beloved head of Upper School, Saara, will be leaving Bank Street and Priya, my teacher, will be taking over her position. This article will tell you about Priya’s perspective on her new position
Supreme Court Justice Retired, Pres. Biden has a Vacancy to Fill, Dylan 12/13s
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will retire from the court, leaving President Joe Biden with a spot to fill. He has many options ahead of him, but he has pledged to nominate a Black woman to occupy the vacancy.
Special Report on Deportation
Lucia MC, 13/14s
Obama is widely regarded as a groundbreaking democratic president and while it would be misguided to disregard the important changes he made for the U.S., we all know the detrimental consequences that can come when we erase the problematic parts of history.
Instagram’s Algorithm,
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Halloween Roots Go all the Way Back to Pagan Times, Here's the History!
Katharine, 12/13s
When you think of Halloween, you probably think of costumes, trick or treating, and torror movies. However you probably don’t know the holiday's pagan origins, or how it slowly evolved into the holiday you know today. From the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, to the modern celebration of Halloween, the holiday has gone through many changes.
One of the first known roots of Halloween is the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain. This holiday began on October 31 and lasted until the evening of November 1. The reason the holiday took place during this time was because it was believed that the world of the gods would be made visible to humans. The Celts thought that the gods would play tricks on them so they would make sacrifices and offerings of every kind were made during this time. The holiday involved a lot of rituals and offerings, due to the fact that the Celts were polytheistic.
It isn’t clear when exactly the word Halloween was first used, but it’s origins date back to 1745. It comes from the Christian name for the holiday, All Hallows Eve. Hallows meant spirits or saints. The name was eventually shortened to Halloween. The word Halloween became popularized in 1785 by Robert Burns in his poem, titled Halloween.
Although Halloween was very popular in Europe, when the Puritans came to what we now know as the United States, they did not want to celebrate the holiday. They were disapproving of its pagan origins, and did not want to celebrate the holiday. However when Irish and Scottish people began immigrating to the US they brought the holiday with them. Early colonial Halloween consisted of big parties which transformed into the modern Halloween celebrations you know and love.
While Halloween certainly had religious origins, it is now practiced as a secular holiday. The Halloween costumes of today have origins all the way back in religious practices that took place hundreds of years ago. So this Halloween, however you celebrate, remember the ancient origins of this fun holiday.
One of the first known roots of Halloween is the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain. This holiday began on October 31 and lasted until the evening of November 1. The reason the holiday took place during this time was because it was believed that the world of the gods would be made visible to humans. The Celts thought that the gods would play tricks on them so they would make sacrifices and offerings of every kind were made during this time. The holiday involved a lot of rituals and offerings, due to the fact that the Celts were polytheistic.
It isn’t clear when exactly the word Halloween was first used, but it’s origins date back to 1745. It comes from the Christian name for the holiday, All Hallows Eve. Hallows meant spirits or saints. The name was eventually shortened to Halloween. The word Halloween became popularized in 1785 by Robert Burns in his poem, titled Halloween.
Although Halloween was very popular in Europe, when the Puritans came to what we now know as the United States, they did not want to celebrate the holiday. They were disapproving of its pagan origins, and did not want to celebrate the holiday. However when Irish and Scottish people began immigrating to the US they brought the holiday with them. Early colonial Halloween consisted of big parties which transformed into the modern Halloween celebrations you know and love.
While Halloween certainly had religious origins, it is now practiced as a secular holiday. The Halloween costumes of today have origins all the way back in religious practices that took place hundreds of years ago. So this Halloween, however you celebrate, remember the ancient origins of this fun holiday.
Tips From an 8th Grader, Catelyn 13/14’s
As you get older, you’ll experience many changes throughout your academic life. Students often experience the change where they fall behind, just a bit, and then adapt to the new environment. This article is written to help you stay on top of your studies and maintain a healthy balance between your home and school life.
If you are struggling with homework, again, email your teachers for help. You can also ask your guardian or parent(s) for help. Another option is calling or texting your friends to review homework.
- Complete homework on time
- Ask for help when you need it
If you are struggling with homework, again, email your teachers for help. You can also ask your guardian or parent(s) for help. Another option is calling or texting your friends to review homework.
- Be nice to your teachers and friends
- Figure out what system worlds best for you
- Have fun!
The New STEAM Lab: Everything You Need To Know, Hayden 13/14s
The STEAM Lab, located on the fourth floor in rooms 408 and 410, houses a 3D printer, laser cutter, recording station, and countless materials for almost everything you could think of. Here are a few pictures I took of the lab, but to really get the full experience, I highly suggest taking a walk downstairs and visiting.
Case Challenging Roe v. Wade Comes Before The Supreme Court, Madeline T. 13/14s
Roe v. Wade was the verdict of a case that came before the Supreme Court, which challenged the constitutionality of a Texas statute that restricted access to abortion. The Supreme Court has now accepted a case that challenges Roe v. Wade.
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Women Come Forward With Allegations Against Andrew Cuomo
Madeline T, 13/14s
Governor Cuomo has faced mounting allegations of sexual misconduct. Some people have called for his resignation. The New York Attorney General Letitia James is conducting an investigation into the claims against Cuomo and the New York State Assembly is overseeing an impeachment inquiry. Most people in Congress representing New York are calling for him to resign. Multiple people within the state Senate and Assembly have also made calls for him to resign. Cuomo has released a statement essentially saying that he’s sorry if his actions have been taken in the wrong way, but he’s denying that the claims are true. He has not spoken specifically about the claims and is imploring that people wait for the Attorney General’s investigation to come to a close.
The Trends of a Pandemic, Lucia 12/13s
So we’ve been stuck at home for a little bit, and while many events and activities have been cancelled, postponed, or made virtual, some things haven’t surrendered to the almighty Covid. For example, fashion.
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Bird of the Month: Barred Owl
Ellie, 13/14s
If you are at all interested in birds, even just the rare ones, you might know about Barry and Barnard the Barred Owls.
This Chrome Extension is a Savior for Any Upper School Student
I’m not sure if this is a common struggle, but I’ve been having a hard time tracking my assignments ever since we returned to virtual school. Now I’m usually pretty diligent with my assignments, but lately, I’ve just had to push myself a little bit harder to remember things, pay attention to due dates, all that jazz. However, I have a feeling that a recently discovered Chrome extension will prevent this from happening again.
Mental Health and Our Responsibility to Help
Lucia, 12/13s
September was National Suicide Prevention month and it was on everyone’s instagram. National Suicide Prevention Month is over, but you can still help or prevent a mental condition.
How Schools Are Dealing With Coronavirus & Reopening, Ellie & MT 13/14s
Schools that would like to reopen are taking various safety procedures in order to ensure as low a rate as possible for potential outbreaks of coronavirus based on reopenings in New York City. In New York City, the coronavirus rate must stay under 3% for seven days for in-person education to continue.
A Look into the School Campaign
Madeline M 13/14s
How To Say Goodbye Online: Finding Closure In Endings & Transitions During COVID-19
Millie, 13/14s
While we’re all stuck at home, school is coming to a close despite these extraordinary times. This means different things for all of us, but for the Bank Street class of 2020, June 10th marks the end of a very long and important part of our lives. If we were physically in school, perhaps we would be walking up and down the stairs and through hallways to thank our teachers for changing our lives and say farewell to the classrooms where we grew up. We would attend our eighth and final dance, perform at our spring concert, venture to DC, and ultimately graduate. But, these things are no longer available to us. So how do we compensate for this loss? How do we part from your grade, faculty and friends right now? I am definitely looking forward to finding this closure. Here are some ideas that I came up with to help myself and hopefully, they’ll help you too.
1.) Write a letter(s) Sometimes, it’s hard to say what you feel out loud. The easiest way to handle this is to write it down. You can rewrite sentences and not worry about stumbling through words like you would, in person even. You could write to friends, teachers and administrators! Ask them for their addresses and send it. I’m sure your teachers will love to see actual pen and paper being used after being online for so long. You could even draw something or print out a picture and put it in the envelope along with your letter. If you do not feel comfortable actually sending the letter, just keep it. Put it in a drawer or on your desk. Sometimes, simply writing things down assists with big, hard and complicated feelings. Maybe write a letter to every teacher you’ve had, or all kids in your class or grade. Maybe even both! If you do, write a letter let us know! We’ll write an article about you or shout you out!
1.) Write a letter(s) Sometimes, it’s hard to say what you feel out loud. The easiest way to handle this is to write it down. You can rewrite sentences and not worry about stumbling through words like you would, in person even. You could write to friends, teachers and administrators! Ask them for their addresses and send it. I’m sure your teachers will love to see actual pen and paper being used after being online for so long. You could even draw something or print out a picture and put it in the envelope along with your letter. If you do not feel comfortable actually sending the letter, just keep it. Put it in a drawer or on your desk. Sometimes, simply writing things down assists with big, hard and complicated feelings. Maybe write a letter to every teacher you’ve had, or all kids in your class or grade. Maybe even both! If you do, write a letter let us know! We’ll write an article about you or shout you out!
2.) Write an email
Just write an email! It’s the easiest way to communicate back and forth with your teachers!
Just write an email! It’s the easiest way to communicate back and forth with your teachers!
3.) Organize a personal zoom or phone call
While we’ve been using zoom for classes all day long, you can create your very own zoom rooms, and invite your friends or teachers in for a ‘goodbye.’ You can also use an old fashioned phone call. This could be as informal or not. Whatever you want. It will help to write down word for word, or outline what you really want to get across beforehand. Using zoom would give you the enjoyment of seeing your peers’ and educators’ smiles and faces. Screenshot your zoom meetings!
I hope that these tips and tools will help mark your milestones, not forget them. Make sure to express your feelings, don’t suppress them. It’ll make you feel better graduating in a few short weeks if you communicate your feelings towards the people you love.
To the rest of the Bank Street Community, use these tools too! I’m sure your teachers want to hear from you, even if you’re returning for another year on the seventh floor.
Don’t take things for granted, like we did so much. I think I speak for my entire cohort when I implore you to learn from our experiences, and never take a second spent sitting at the cafe tables, on the roof or with your treasured classmates and teachers for granted. Back on March 13th, we were all convinced we would return in a couple of weeks, begin Mock Congress, and finish out the year. This all slipped out of our fingers in such a short time. Don’t let this happen to you and your peers, savor every moment, remember what your friends' hugs feel like and what your teachers say about you during your conferences. Use these tools to help with the trouble of the current situation.
To my grade, remember this experience, use it in the future and we will never take anything for granted ever again.
Thank you for everything Bank Street.
With love,
The Class of 2020
While we’ve been using zoom for classes all day long, you can create your very own zoom rooms, and invite your friends or teachers in for a ‘goodbye.’ You can also use an old fashioned phone call. This could be as informal or not. Whatever you want. It will help to write down word for word, or outline what you really want to get across beforehand. Using zoom would give you the enjoyment of seeing your peers’ and educators’ smiles and faces. Screenshot your zoom meetings!
I hope that these tips and tools will help mark your milestones, not forget them. Make sure to express your feelings, don’t suppress them. It’ll make you feel better graduating in a few short weeks if you communicate your feelings towards the people you love.
To the rest of the Bank Street Community, use these tools too! I’m sure your teachers want to hear from you, even if you’re returning for another year on the seventh floor.
Don’t take things for granted, like we did so much. I think I speak for my entire cohort when I implore you to learn from our experiences, and never take a second spent sitting at the cafe tables, on the roof or with your treasured classmates and teachers for granted. Back on March 13th, we were all convinced we would return in a couple of weeks, begin Mock Congress, and finish out the year. This all slipped out of our fingers in such a short time. Don’t let this happen to you and your peers, savor every moment, remember what your friends' hugs feel like and what your teachers say about you during your conferences. Use these tools to help with the trouble of the current situation.
To my grade, remember this experience, use it in the future and we will never take anything for granted ever again.
Thank you for everything Bank Street.
With love,
The Class of 2020
How States Responded To COVID-19:
Some States Not Locked Down
Dylan and Ethan, 10/11s
During the coronavirus pandemic many states have been taking measures to prevent the virus from spreading. But, even though it was predicted that there would be an outbreak throughout the world, some governors of states in the U.S.A. did not consider it as a huge problem. These states have not put restrictions on going out: Arkansas, Iowas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota
Arkansas’s governor, Asa Hutchingson, has not issued any orders for quarentines. He believed that the low population density of the state offers some protection to the pandemic. However, Arkansas has not been doing nothing. Schools are closed, but there is nothing about quarantining. It is said that Japan followed the strategy of waiting and seeing. That seemed to be going well but it led to a huge spike in cases.
South Dakota’s governor, Kristi Noem, refused to impose stay at home orders. “I took an oath when I was in Congress, obviously, to uphold the constitution of the United States,” she told Fox News. “I believe in our freedoms and liberties. What I’ve seen across the country is so many people give up their liberties for just a little bit of security, and they don’t have to do that”. In early April, South Dakota had over 1,600 confirmed coronavirus cases. Paul TenHaken, the mayor of Sioux Falls, had called on Noem to strengthen restrictions, and close schools. TenHaken was backed by the mayor of Rapid City, one of the largest towns in South Dakota. Even with their efforts, Noem refused to listen. Professor John Schaff, a political scientist at Northern State University, said Noem’s position was mostly driven by an ideological commitment supported by a majority of South Dakotans. “There is a governing ideology that says that people are free to make their own choices, and if people want to engage in some behaviours that in other parts of the country would be restricted, they’re not restricted here,” said Schaff.
As you can see, some states did not take the precautions that they needed to take. This is why we need to work together to flatten the curve and defeat this virus. Because if some states do not go into lockdown, they will have to go eventually but by that time, other states will be getting out of lockdown. Then, those states that took the precautions to protect themselves are going to have to go back into lockdown because they are going to get it from the other states. It is a vicious cycle and that is why we have to be aware of what other states are doing and take action.
Sources:
Arkansas’s governor, Asa Hutchingson, has not issued any orders for quarentines. He believed that the low population density of the state offers some protection to the pandemic. However, Arkansas has not been doing nothing. Schools are closed, but there is nothing about quarantining. It is said that Japan followed the strategy of waiting and seeing. That seemed to be going well but it led to a huge spike in cases.
South Dakota’s governor, Kristi Noem, refused to impose stay at home orders. “I took an oath when I was in Congress, obviously, to uphold the constitution of the United States,” she told Fox News. “I believe in our freedoms and liberties. What I’ve seen across the country is so many people give up their liberties for just a little bit of security, and they don’t have to do that”. In early April, South Dakota had over 1,600 confirmed coronavirus cases. Paul TenHaken, the mayor of Sioux Falls, had called on Noem to strengthen restrictions, and close schools. TenHaken was backed by the mayor of Rapid City, one of the largest towns in South Dakota. Even with their efforts, Noem refused to listen. Professor John Schaff, a political scientist at Northern State University, said Noem’s position was mostly driven by an ideological commitment supported by a majority of South Dakotans. “There is a governing ideology that says that people are free to make their own choices, and if people want to engage in some behaviours that in other parts of the country would be restricted, they’re not restricted here,” said Schaff.
As you can see, some states did not take the precautions that they needed to take. This is why we need to work together to flatten the curve and defeat this virus. Because if some states do not go into lockdown, they will have to go eventually but by that time, other states will be getting out of lockdown. Then, those states that took the precautions to protect themselves are going to have to go back into lockdown because they are going to get it from the other states. It is a vicious cycle and that is why we have to be aware of what other states are doing and take action.
Sources:
- Wall Street Journal
- New York times
- Vox
- The Guardian
How the COVID-19 pandemic is helping to prove that we need to fight for climate justice
Lydia, 11/12s
Many, many countries are in lock-down right now due to the Covid-19 pandemic and it is showing us more and more about what our world could look like. The air quality all over the world has been improving ever since Covid-19 struck. People in northern Italy say that they have never seen the air clearer and in China the pollution levels have gone down further and further. This is mainly because manufacturing has slowed practically to a stand-still. This is proof that the planet is getting healthier right now. Covid-19 could show people that we need to fight climate change.
As we all know climate change affects everything and Covid-19 is another way to prove that things will only get worse if we don’t do anything about it. Habitat loss is a major part of this. As we chop down animals forests we come into contact with the animals because they move into spaces that humans are in. That makes it much more likely for animals to pass diseases to us and vice-versa. Also as the planet gets warmer there will be more natural disasters and more people will be displaced. There could be shortages of food and water and that will make the spread of disease much easier. Covid-19 is an example that if we change society we can slow climate change and if we try we can prevent disease like this from happening again.
Across the world people are staying home from work, school and many other social events. As this happens scientists are starting to realize that this could mean great things for climate change. Nine in ten people in the world inhale polluted air but due to lifestyle changes because of Covid pollution in the air has massively gone down. The smog in New Delhi has stopped choking the city, one of the most polluted cities in the world. Nitrogen dioxide, a gas that is created when coal and other fossil fuels are burned, in the U.S. has gone down 30%. This could change everything. Stars in New York City are visible at night. Coyotes have walked right down Chicago’s main road. When people stay home remarkable things can happen to the plants and animals. It is possible to stop climate change. To all of you older people who thought there was no hope in our future, there is and we will fight for it. You do not need to stay in isolation to stop climate change but we will need to make adjustments to our lifestyle if we want to save the planet.
There are still many, many things that you can and probably should do to help stop climate change. Even though Covid has helped to stop climate change it has also proven that we need plans like the Green New Deal. One thing you can do is become vegetarian but I know for a lot of people and especially during this time it is very hard to do so. An easier thing you can do to is to eat less red meat. Red meat is meat like cows, and mutton. You could also do something called Meatless Mondays which is on Mondays you don’t eat meat. Those are just a few things you can do and I hope you continue to research about this.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/climate/coronavirus-pollution.html?referringSource=articleShare
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/climate/nyt-climate-newsletter-coronavirus.html?searchResultPosition=7
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2020/04/15/climate-change-affects-everything-even-coronavirus/?arc404=true
https://bismarcktribune.com/news/national/as-people-stay-home-earth-turns-wilder-and-cleaner-these-before-and-after-images-show/article_e9482c84-d029-53c9-8fe6-5f4fcafb2fb0.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-to-know-climate-change-coronavirus?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=tv&utm_mailing=TNV_Take_042520&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5d51a28bfc942d14a565cde5&cndid=58042374&esrc=bounceX&utm_content=Final&utm_term=TNV_Take
As we all know climate change affects everything and Covid-19 is another way to prove that things will only get worse if we don’t do anything about it. Habitat loss is a major part of this. As we chop down animals forests we come into contact with the animals because they move into spaces that humans are in. That makes it much more likely for animals to pass diseases to us and vice-versa. Also as the planet gets warmer there will be more natural disasters and more people will be displaced. There could be shortages of food and water and that will make the spread of disease much easier. Covid-19 is an example that if we change society we can slow climate change and if we try we can prevent disease like this from happening again.
Across the world people are staying home from work, school and many other social events. As this happens scientists are starting to realize that this could mean great things for climate change. Nine in ten people in the world inhale polluted air but due to lifestyle changes because of Covid pollution in the air has massively gone down. The smog in New Delhi has stopped choking the city, one of the most polluted cities in the world. Nitrogen dioxide, a gas that is created when coal and other fossil fuels are burned, in the U.S. has gone down 30%. This could change everything. Stars in New York City are visible at night. Coyotes have walked right down Chicago’s main road. When people stay home remarkable things can happen to the plants and animals. It is possible to stop climate change. To all of you older people who thought there was no hope in our future, there is and we will fight for it. You do not need to stay in isolation to stop climate change but we will need to make adjustments to our lifestyle if we want to save the planet.
There are still many, many things that you can and probably should do to help stop climate change. Even though Covid has helped to stop climate change it has also proven that we need plans like the Green New Deal. One thing you can do is become vegetarian but I know for a lot of people and especially during this time it is very hard to do so. An easier thing you can do to is to eat less red meat. Red meat is meat like cows, and mutton. You could also do something called Meatless Mondays which is on Mondays you don’t eat meat. Those are just a few things you can do and I hope you continue to research about this.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/climate/coronavirus-pollution.html?referringSource=articleShare
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/climate/nyt-climate-newsletter-coronavirus.html?searchResultPosition=7
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2020/04/15/climate-change-affects-everything-even-coronavirus/?arc404=true
https://bismarcktribune.com/news/national/as-people-stay-home-earth-turns-wilder-and-cleaner-these-before-and-after-images-show/article_e9482c84-d029-53c9-8fe6-5f4fcafb2fb0.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-to-know-climate-change-coronavirus?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=tv&utm_mailing=TNV_Take_042520&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5d51a28bfc942d14a565cde5&cndid=58042374&esrc=bounceX&utm_content=Final&utm_term=TNV_Take
United States Women’s Soccer Team files a lawsuit against US Federation Soccer
Colin and Annie, 10/11s
Koalas are dying in Australia
Darien and Neel
n Australia, forest fires are spreading, injuring millions of animals and forcing them to flee their homes. The forest fires are horrific for everyone, but especially koalas. It has been estimated that 25,000 koalas have died in the fires and over 40 koalas have been found dead from logging. The Stand Up For Nature organization has banned logging for a while in New South Wales as a response to the number of koalas dead because of logging. Only about 43,000 -100,000 koalas are left. Koalas have a disadvantage because they are slower animals, so it is harder for them to escape the fires. Also, koalas primarily eat eucalyptus leaves, which are highly flammable, so they are in the trees that are burning up. Since the conclusion has been made that koalas are in trouble, almost no legislation has been made to save koala habitat. No one has written any laws to protect the koalas in almost seven years, although people are helping as much as possible, and so are dogs. Detection dogs are sniffing out injured koalas as part of search and rescue missions.
The fires started in September, and were not contained for many weeks. The need to stop them has become more urgent as the fires persisted because they have started to affect people, too. They consumed 14.8 million acres of land and made thousands of people homeless. 26 people have died and entire towns have been destroyed. Firefighters have died fighting the raging fires. Australia has experienced a heat wave which has caused drought and record temperatures of 107.4 F (41.9 C). It is not even summer yet in Australia. Climate is playing a large role in longer lasting and more intense fires. “The effects of the catastrophic fires have been so far-reaching that that allowing further loss of habitat and impact on native species would be unethical,” the letter to New South Wales Premier Gladys Berjikan reads.
Koalas are dying, and so are people. Land and homes were engulfed by flame. This is mostly because of climate change. We need to stop our planet from becoming uninhabitable for humans before it is too late. So turn off the lights when you leave a room. Compost. Turn off the water when you don’t need it. Every little bit helps eliminate the threat of climate change and prevent things like this from ever happening again.
Sources:
Koala rescued from Australia bushfire reunited with hero grandma
Australian bushfires have killed thousands of koalas
'Australia should be ashamed': Koalas found dead on logging site
Firefighters die fighting fires
The fires started in September, and were not contained for many weeks. The need to stop them has become more urgent as the fires persisted because they have started to affect people, too. They consumed 14.8 million acres of land and made thousands of people homeless. 26 people have died and entire towns have been destroyed. Firefighters have died fighting the raging fires. Australia has experienced a heat wave which has caused drought and record temperatures of 107.4 F (41.9 C). It is not even summer yet in Australia. Climate is playing a large role in longer lasting and more intense fires. “The effects of the catastrophic fires have been so far-reaching that that allowing further loss of habitat and impact on native species would be unethical,” the letter to New South Wales Premier Gladys Berjikan reads.
Koalas are dying, and so are people. Land and homes were engulfed by flame. This is mostly because of climate change. We need to stop our planet from becoming uninhabitable for humans before it is too late. So turn off the lights when you leave a room. Compost. Turn off the water when you don’t need it. Every little bit helps eliminate the threat of climate change and prevent things like this from ever happening again.
Sources:
Koala rescued from Australia bushfire reunited with hero grandma
Australian bushfires have killed thousands of koalas
'Australia should be ashamed': Koalas found dead on logging site
Firefighters die fighting fires
Should We Lower the Voting Age?
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Interview with My Grandpa, A Survivor of Nazi Germany, Nanette 11/12s
My Grandpa was born in Germany as a Jew in 1931 and left Germany for England in 1932 at an extremely young age, just when things were starting to get bad for the Jews. During this time Jews were starting to get fired from jobs, and kicked out of schools. In England he stayed with another family while his didn’t have a house. Even in England, there was still bombing, so he was forced to sleep under stairs.
Nan: How old were you when you fled from Germany?
Gideon: About one. I can’t say I remember it that well. In 1933, on the way to England, I stopped at a beach, Le Coq beach. My dad was going to meet Einstein at this beach because they had written to each other about whether or not one should leave Germany. On this beach, I sat on Einstein's lap.
Nan: What was going on when you fled Germany?
Gideon: I fled when they started becoming awful to the Jews. They were firing Jews from their jobs. They were being kicked out of school. When the Nazis first came, the British scientists sent a committee of scientists to Germany, and their mission was to find Jewish scientists who they could bring out and rescue them. They gave them visas to come to England and get jobs. The particular scientist who came to see my father- my father was an entomologist- was named Julian Huxley, the brother of Aldous Huxley, a very famous author.
Nan: How old were you when the bombing came to England?
Gideon: It was around 1941, so I was around 8.
Nan: What was the bombing like for you? What were you forced to do?
Gideon: There were a lot of bombs, so I was forced to sleep under the stairs which was supposedly the safest place. My school was bombed eventually. The school was called Childs Way School. It was just up the hill from where we lived.
Nan Did anyone you knew get hurt or killed during the bombing?
Gideon: I believe that my teacher, Ms. Bennett, was killed in an air raid, German Bombs.
Nan: What important events happened to you this time?
Gideon: My father’s college moved his work place to a town called Slouth. The college had a country house that they used as a lab where my father worked during the war. This happened around 1941. The lab was actually just a few minutes away from where we lived. At this time, we didn’t have a house, so I stayed with a family called the Herfords. The rest of my family was staying with a different family. The family I stayed with had two little girls. I took care of the chickens and I was very upset when they would decide to eat one of them for Sunday dinners.
[As I asked my grandpa these questions, we found the father of this family on wikipedia.]
Gideon: Another big thing that happened during this time was I was sent to a private school called Windsor House School. You see we all wore school caps. We were taught that if we were to meet someone in our family or a friend of family we were supposed to take our hats off. You see, I’ll tell you why this is important. I met a family friend, getting off the bus, and I took off my hat for her. She had groceries, so I helped her by carrying them to her apartment. It was hard to find houses to rent, but they thought of us because of me, and we rented out their house when they moved. That’s when our entire family got to be put together. In this house we grew a lot of fruits and vegetables. What was significant about living there was there was no bombing. I was a quiet life. I joined a school here called Latymer Upper School. And that was a very nice school I liked it a lot. During this time there was food rationing- not for everything, but for a lot of things- meat, butter, eggs. Food rationing is where everyone is only allowed to have a certain amount of things.
Nan: Thanks for letting me interview you.
Interviewing my grandpa taught me a lot of things about my family. I had already known the basic idea of his story- I knew about how he fled Germany- I knew why. This interview helped me learn all the little details. I learned about the food rationing, and all the bombing- how his school was bombed. I am coming to understand being part German- which is very strange, because now I am also coming to understand how much I don’t want to go there because of this story.
Nan: How old were you when you fled from Germany?
Gideon: About one. I can’t say I remember it that well. In 1933, on the way to England, I stopped at a beach, Le Coq beach. My dad was going to meet Einstein at this beach because they had written to each other about whether or not one should leave Germany. On this beach, I sat on Einstein's lap.
Nan: What was going on when you fled Germany?
Gideon: I fled when they started becoming awful to the Jews. They were firing Jews from their jobs. They were being kicked out of school. When the Nazis first came, the British scientists sent a committee of scientists to Germany, and their mission was to find Jewish scientists who they could bring out and rescue them. They gave them visas to come to England and get jobs. The particular scientist who came to see my father- my father was an entomologist- was named Julian Huxley, the brother of Aldous Huxley, a very famous author.
Nan: How old were you when the bombing came to England?
Gideon: It was around 1941, so I was around 8.
Nan: What was the bombing like for you? What were you forced to do?
Gideon: There were a lot of bombs, so I was forced to sleep under the stairs which was supposedly the safest place. My school was bombed eventually. The school was called Childs Way School. It was just up the hill from where we lived.
Nan Did anyone you knew get hurt or killed during the bombing?
Gideon: I believe that my teacher, Ms. Bennett, was killed in an air raid, German Bombs.
Nan: What important events happened to you this time?
Gideon: My father’s college moved his work place to a town called Slouth. The college had a country house that they used as a lab where my father worked during the war. This happened around 1941. The lab was actually just a few minutes away from where we lived. At this time, we didn’t have a house, so I stayed with a family called the Herfords. The rest of my family was staying with a different family. The family I stayed with had two little girls. I took care of the chickens and I was very upset when they would decide to eat one of them for Sunday dinners.
[As I asked my grandpa these questions, we found the father of this family on wikipedia.]
Gideon: Another big thing that happened during this time was I was sent to a private school called Windsor House School. You see we all wore school caps. We were taught that if we were to meet someone in our family or a friend of family we were supposed to take our hats off. You see, I’ll tell you why this is important. I met a family friend, getting off the bus, and I took off my hat for her. She had groceries, so I helped her by carrying them to her apartment. It was hard to find houses to rent, but they thought of us because of me, and we rented out their house when they moved. That’s when our entire family got to be put together. In this house we grew a lot of fruits and vegetables. What was significant about living there was there was no bombing. I was a quiet life. I joined a school here called Latymer Upper School. And that was a very nice school I liked it a lot. During this time there was food rationing- not for everything, but for a lot of things- meat, butter, eggs. Food rationing is where everyone is only allowed to have a certain amount of things.
Nan: Thanks for letting me interview you.
Interviewing my grandpa taught me a lot of things about my family. I had already known the basic idea of his story- I knew about how he fled Germany- I knew why. This interview helped me learn all the little details. I learned about the food rationing, and all the bombing- how his school was bombed. I am coming to understand being part German- which is very strange, because now I am also coming to understand how much I don’t want to go there because of this story.
2020 VISION
Season 2, Episode 3: The Wealth Gap
Alex and Julian 13/14s
In their third episode after a few weeks, Julian and Alexander discuss the extreme wealth disparity in the United States today and how candidates have approached tackling the issue.
On October 18, 2019, The International Space Station was facing many technical difficulties, including a broken power supply. NASA sent Christina Koch and Jessica Meir, two astronauts who work for NASA to fix the problem. The two of them left the station on October 18. This was a historical moment for women everywhere :it was the world's first all- female spacewalking team. Kathy Sullivan, America’s first female spacewalker from 35 years ago was elated “It’s good to finally have enough women astronauts trained for spacewalking. Even more are running the control as well as space centers and ships.”
An 8th Grader's Guide to Food, JP 13/14s
The Bankstreet neighborhood has many diverse, tasty, fast, and sometimes expensive choices for food. I find it hard at times to decide where to go from lack of knowledge. I am writing this for 8th graders who feel the same.
Youth Demand Climate Justice, Lucia 11/12s
This Friday, on September twentieth, a global strike will be taking place all because of a sixteen year old girl from Sweden. Her name is Greta Thunberg. Greta Thunberg is an activist for environmental justice. She started roughly around a year ago, with weekly Friday strikes (Fridays for Future) encouraging students to walk out of school (or not attend) on Fridays to urge the government to take action. “Our leadership has failed us,” she says. “Young people must hold older generations accountable for the mess they have created.”
Album of the Week #3: DiCaprio 2, Alex 13/14s
In February 2017, Dreamville Records signed Destin Route Choice, or J.I.D, a 26 year-old up-and-coming rapper from East Atlanta. With a high, nasal voice and a jittery cadance, (hence the name) J.I.D is a black sheep compared to his Atlanta peers, as he himself notes.
Advice from Lucia & Lyle: Homework Edition
Lyle and Lucia, 11/12s
Dear Lucia,
When will homework in the fifth grade get easier? From, Anonymous |
I am fascinated by political maps like this one because of my interest in geography and politics. This passion for politics might be because I'm a Democrat, going to a “liberal” school. It’s made me want to learn as much as I can about our political system and why we still have so many unsolved problems as a country.
Why Are Debates More Heated?
Ben K., 13/14s
As of writing this, the Nevada Primary is taking place, showing that we are nearing the end of the Republican Presidential debates. It was a riveting time, each debate would result in a different viral moment. Whether it was Vivek Ramashwamy’s loud rants, Nikki Hailey’s roasts, or Desantis doing literally anything, it would go viral. However, instead of turning any moment into a meme we might want to take these chaotic debates more seriously. Let us look at history first. The first televised debate was between Nixon and John F. Kennedy in 1960. When you watch a clip from that original debate you see them agreeing with each other, laughing, and complimenting each other. Then you look to the present day, and you ask yourself, what happened? Why have debates become more heated?
People often mistake habits for willpower. People who are on top of things, eat healthy, etc., do not always have great willpower. Chances are they formed a habit. You may say: “It is really difficult to form a habit. The benefits are not worth all the work.” There are some habits that are so easy to form, but they still make a huge impact! Some of them take as little as 90 seconds a day. In the grand scheme of things, 90 seconds a day is not a lot.
The Wait 'Til 8th Debate
Claribel, 12/13s
Recently, my parents and I had a little debate about iPhones. I want an iPhone. My parents signed a contract at Bank Street, along with some other parents, to wait until 8th grade to give me one. I have a kind of phone called a Gabb Phone, which is a kid’s phone that I can use to basically call and text my parents. There is a weird music app that only lets me listen to music that is made into already created playlists of pop and country songs. Yes, it’s more than some kids have, so I’m grateful for that. However, kids can be rude and they have asked me and told me rude things about the phone like: “I would rather have no phone than that thing,” and “why do you even have that?” They are rude questions, and I have thought of a million responses, but the truth is, I mostly just want an iPhone. As a result, I’ve been brainstorming the pros and cons of iPhones, with the hopes of persuading my parents to take the plunge.
A Perfect New York Weekend
Ella & SJ, 12/13s
If you don’t know what to do on a long weekend in New York, we got you covered.
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As a result of celebrities' importance and the attention they receive, their lifestyles are problematic and unbothered.There have been so many controversial celebrities who have gotten away with things like theft, sexual assault, and abuse simply because society accepts that type of behavior, due to the fact that celebreties are held on a pedestal and treated as if they can never do anything wrong.
What percent of teenagers do you think are sleep deprived? Maybe 10% or 20%? Well, it’s a lot more than that. According to Teens and Sleep: The Cost of Sleep Deprivation, 70% of teenagers suffer from sleep deprivation. That’s a supermajority. The supermajority of teens are currently sleep deprived.
Dinosaur Barbeque Review
Amari, Oscar, Ryan 12/13s
Hi there! During this review we went to Dinosaur BBQ, located on Riverside Drive and 125th street; close to the old Cotton Club. We all arrived there around 6:15 but were seated around 6:40-45 because one of us was running a bit late. The restaurant was fairly crowded, with every table taken. Our server was very friendly and kept referring to us as “sir”.
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Kleptomania Explained, Eva 13/14s
A few days ago, I watched a YouTube video where a person reacted to a video about a person with kleptomania. After the video was done, the person watching it incorrectly asserted that kleptomania isn’t a disorder, and kleptomaniacs are just bad people trying to justify stealing. It was annoying to hear this attitude, mainly because I know that what he said came from a place of misinformation and stigma; it wasn't that he was trying to be mean or invalidating. I decided to check the comment section to see what other people thought, and I found that a few people agreed with me. I replied to the comment, and a few days later it became the top comment. The YouTuber never responded, but many said they learned more about the subject, so I decided to write this article about the stigma and misconceptions around kleptomania so that other people could be more informed about the subject.
Senior Staff Sign-Off
This year in BSL I read a lot of interesting articles that resonate with what is happening today. I got to know a lot of my fellow 7th graders and some 8th graders as well. My favorite articles are all of Kat's character cabins! - Priya
My favorite article that wasn't mine was Matt Moss vs. Dave Mortimer. This year in Bank Street Live I enjoyed writing more Character Cabin. - Katherine
This year in Bank Street Live I enjoyed writing sports articles with Dylan and students in eighth grade. My favorite article this year that wasn't mine was Dylan's Supreme Court article, I found it informative and interesting. - Ethan
This year in Bank Street Live, I enjoyed participating in the community and spending time with my friends. Some articles that I enjoyed were Ethan's sports articles because they were informative and well written. - Dylan
I learned a lot this year in Bankstreet Live. I learned a bunch about researching and got a lot better in writing articles. I think my favorite article that I didn't write was the battle of the teachers because it was a really well written article and was a fun topic. - Sadie
My favorite article that wasn't mine was Matt Moss vs. Dave Mortimer. This year in Bank Street Live I enjoyed writing more Character Cabin. - Katherine
This year in Bank Street Live I enjoyed writing sports articles with Dylan and students in eighth grade. My favorite article this year that wasn't mine was Dylan's Supreme Court article, I found it informative and interesting. - Ethan
This year in Bank Street Live, I enjoyed participating in the community and spending time with my friends. Some articles that I enjoyed were Ethan's sports articles because they were informative and well written. - Dylan
I learned a lot this year in Bankstreet Live. I learned a bunch about researching and got a lot better in writing articles. I think my favorite article that I didn't write was the battle of the teachers because it was a really well written article and was a fun topic. - Sadie
The Illegal Wildlife Trade, Claribel 10/11s
Aren’t animals just the sweetest, cutest things in the world? Maybe you want a pet? Well, would you believe that they are being cruelly shipped off to a whole new country? The illegal wildlife trade is guessed to be a MULTIbillion dollar trade involving the illegal trade of animals.
Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock?!?! Lucia, 13/14s
In the third hour of the Academy Awards ceremony, history was made. Chris Rock, known for his history with politically unsettling and at times incorrect jokes, was presenting the award for the Best Documentary Feature category. Referring to Jada Smith’s new bald look, he said “Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can’t wait to see you.”
Tom's Restaurant Review
Hayden, 13/14s
As an eighth grader, one of my favorite things this year has been my new privilege of going outside to eat lunch. Personally, I have attended Bank Street since the 4/5s, so that’s about 10 years. However, before this year I had actually never been to Tom's Restaurant across 112th. I also didn’t know for many years that the outside of the restaurant was featured in the television show Seinfeld as the diner that the main characters are almost always eating at.
UPDATE: Winners Announced!
100 Word Stories Contest
Bank Street live is holding a writing contest! Any upper school student can enter, and the Bank Street Live staff will select the winner.
Moss vs. Mortimer:
Battle of the Math Teachers
Theo B., interview credit: Javi J.
Mortimer vs Moss. Two titans of the math and science department. Many don’t know what is right under their noses. The rivalry is real, there is only one victor. Some are firmly in support of the fifteen-year veteran. Katherine Enright says; “there is no rivalry, there is only Dave Mortimer, the victor.” Ali Miller says; “Dave’s the best.” Others just want to focus on Moss’s shaving tendencies. Bridget says; “(Matt Moss) could shave occasionally.” Contradicting opinions are plentiful. Upper School Coordinator Saara Mahjouri believes that “Matt Moss thinks he’s in a rivalry, Dave doesn’t,” Julia Fields casually mentions that “It seems like it’s something that Dave really cares about, I don’t hear Matt talking about it often.”
Many give a neutral opinion; “They are both competitive humans, so when they interact they tend to be competitive with each other, who do I think is the best math teacher, Rycki.” says Rycki Waldeck herself. Some, like Ryan Harrity, are oblivious to the situation; “I didn’t know there was a rivalry” he says. When asked, Mortimer said that “He’s very competitive. I probably start it, he’s very competitive, he wants to win. I don’t really care.” Later, when pressed, he turned to the topic of who had the superior facial hair; “Our beards have similar surface area. Does Matt have more beard than me? I don’t think so. It’s only because his beard is red,” he nervously commented. On the topic of flannel friday, Mortimer said that “Moss likes flannel friday so much because he doesn’t know how to tie a tie.” Moss brought up the topic unprompted; “I have been doing flannel friday since before working at Bank Street and Dave,...instead of trying to create a new day for his own theme he tried to co-opt flannel friday with formal friday.”
Math and Science coordinator Jose Guzman disdainfully said that “Matt Moss is in a rivalry with everyone.” Matt Borgmeyer, King of the STEAM Lab was of a similar opinion; “Matt Moss pretty much has a rivalry with everyone.” When I approached the red-bearded math teacher, he avoided an interview, pushing me away twice, but claiming he was “happy to talk about it.” He finally relented, and when interviewed was nervous, contrary to Mortimer’s nonchalant attitude towards the topic. Matt passionately ranted about possible causes of the rivalry, “I think Dave feels inferior because the 8th grade students come to his class and call him my name instead of his...A truly cool person will not try to force the issue, they will just let things come to them.”
Similar to Mortimer, Moss also insisted he didn’t know that he was in a rivalry until Dave told him. Students who had encountered both teachers were interviewed, and they remained mostly neutral when asked. Micah T. says, “I think it’s entertaining,” and Autumn R. said that “I think it’s truly amazing. They’re both as crazy as each other in different ways,” while Catelyn S. believes that “nothing’s wrong with a little friendly competition.” Another student, Diego J. mentions that “I have seen Matt be very competitive in the past.” Kate B, like Micah, sees it as entertaining. “It is one of the things I like about Bank Street,” says Kate. An anonymous student, who had spent a year under Moss’s wing, is of the strong opinion that “Dave Mortimer is better by far,” the most extreme comment from any student interviewed. At Bank Street, rivalries are hard to come by, but this one is hard to miss.
Many give a neutral opinion; “They are both competitive humans, so when they interact they tend to be competitive with each other, who do I think is the best math teacher, Rycki.” says Rycki Waldeck herself. Some, like Ryan Harrity, are oblivious to the situation; “I didn’t know there was a rivalry” he says. When asked, Mortimer said that “He’s very competitive. I probably start it, he’s very competitive, he wants to win. I don’t really care.” Later, when pressed, he turned to the topic of who had the superior facial hair; “Our beards have similar surface area. Does Matt have more beard than me? I don’t think so. It’s only because his beard is red,” he nervously commented. On the topic of flannel friday, Mortimer said that “Moss likes flannel friday so much because he doesn’t know how to tie a tie.” Moss brought up the topic unprompted; “I have been doing flannel friday since before working at Bank Street and Dave,...instead of trying to create a new day for his own theme he tried to co-opt flannel friday with formal friday.”
Math and Science coordinator Jose Guzman disdainfully said that “Matt Moss is in a rivalry with everyone.” Matt Borgmeyer, King of the STEAM Lab was of a similar opinion; “Matt Moss pretty much has a rivalry with everyone.” When I approached the red-bearded math teacher, he avoided an interview, pushing me away twice, but claiming he was “happy to talk about it.” He finally relented, and when interviewed was nervous, contrary to Mortimer’s nonchalant attitude towards the topic. Matt passionately ranted about possible causes of the rivalry, “I think Dave feels inferior because the 8th grade students come to his class and call him my name instead of his...A truly cool person will not try to force the issue, they will just let things come to them.”
Similar to Mortimer, Moss also insisted he didn’t know that he was in a rivalry until Dave told him. Students who had encountered both teachers were interviewed, and they remained mostly neutral when asked. Micah T. says, “I think it’s entertaining,” and Autumn R. said that “I think it’s truly amazing. They’re both as crazy as each other in different ways,” while Catelyn S. believes that “nothing’s wrong with a little friendly competition.” Another student, Diego J. mentions that “I have seen Matt be very competitive in the past.” Kate B, like Micah, sees it as entertaining. “It is one of the things I like about Bank Street,” says Kate. An anonymous student, who had spent a year under Moss’s wing, is of the strong opinion that “Dave Mortimer is better by far,” the most extreme comment from any student interviewed. At Bank Street, rivalries are hard to come by, but this one is hard to miss.
Six Books to Add to Your Summer Reading List, Katharine 11/12s
It’s June now and we’re very close to the end of the school year, so instead of the usual character cabin, I decided to write about some books I recommend adding to your summer reading list
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Alex, JP, & Julian recorded a reunion episode of 2020 Vision
The Trial in the Senate Has Acquitted Trump
Madeline T, 13/14s
After the Insurrection on January 6th at the Capitol, the Senate has voted to acquit Trump from the charge of inciting the Insurrection. 50 Democrats and seven Republicans voted to convict Trump, while 43 Republicans voted to acquit Trump.
How The Government Has Handled The Insurrection In The Capitol
Madeline T, 13/14s
On January 6th, 2021, there was an insurrection in the Capitol. Trump had held a rally, continuing to spread the baseless claims that there was election fraud. He told supporters to walk down to the Capitol, which they did. The Capitol had temporary fences surrounding it, which the supporters easily overthrew. The rioters then proceeded to break into the Capitol building, causing members of Congress to pause confirming election results. The Capitol building wasn’t secure until three hours later.
What is a Peaceful Transfer of Power? Will Trump Agree To One?
Madeline T, 13/14s
A peaceful transfer of power is an integral part of democracy related to the presidential election. If the person who lost was in power, it is common courtesy to civilly hand over power to whoever has won the election. After election results are in, the losing candidate makes a concession speech, acknowledging that they have lost. The oldest recording of this happening dates back to 1896 when William Jennings Bryan sent a telegram to William McKinley. In addition, starting in 1977, the leaving president will depart in a helicopter after the new president’s inauguration, while the new president attends an “inaugural luncheon”. Since 1797, the current president has peacefully given the power to the next elected president.
I asked some students if they think Trump will agree to a peaceful transfer of power. Here are their opinions:
“I don’t think that he’s ever going to be like ‘I lost the presidency’ and I don’t think he’s ever going to publicly concede, but I don’t think he’s going to make a big fuss about leaving the White House I think he’ll do it quietly. I think he’ll make it very difficult for president-elect Biden but I don’t think he will be causing public violence and disarray. I also think that coronavirus and what has happened with it over the past months will definitely affect the transfer of power.”
“I think he’s going to peacefully transfer power, but in the weeks building up to the inauguration, he’s going to go crazy.”
“I think he will try to win his legal battles, but there isn’t much he can actually do to not transfer power. But some of his extreme supporters will probably try to support him.”
“No, I do not think Trump will agree to a peaceful transfer of power. He has said before that he would not have a peaceful transfer of power, he said he wouldn’t even need to, and now that he lost, I don’t think it will change. I think that he will have to be forced out of the white house because he has not accepted the outcome of the election.”
“I think he will have to. Just because he’s the president and he didn’t get re-elected doesn’t mean that he can just stay there and pretend he won when he didn’t. Do you think, if Biden had lost, that he would have forced himself into the White House? No! And even though this is Trump we’re talking about, he is under pressure from people across the world to get out, and I think he will. Although his life is not going to be pretty after, he has to accept the results at some point. Many people think he’s just some lunatic who cheated his way into office, and I can’t say I don’t agree with all of that, but at the end of the day he lost, and even he knows it, so does the House and the Senate and the hundreds of millions of citizens who live in the U.S. I don’t think that he will admit his loss, or that he will accept Joe Biden, or even that he will start moving his belongings out until January 19, but he will leave the White House when he has to.”
Trump so far has not given a concession speech. In addition, Trump has made multiple claims of voter fraud surrounding the election that isn’t backed up by any substantial proof. Key swing states have verified the number of votes that have been counted, which are still in Biden’s favor. Some Republicans have assured that a peaceful transfer of power will happen. According to Politico, Mitch McConnell said “all of this will happen right on time and we’ll swear in the next administration on Jan. 20.” Recently, Mitch McConnell has congratulated President-elect Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris on winning the election. Republicans in Congress have been saying there will be a peaceful transition, but they have not made any comments about how they plan to do so. The Electoral College results have been verified, that Biden has won the election. Trump has said that he will leave the White House on January 20th, the inauguration of President-elect Biden, but he seems to think that between when there is going to be sometime after when the electors meet and inauguration day, that there will be some change in his favor.
Sources:
https://www.history.com/news/peaceful-transfer-power-adams-jefferson
https://www.npr.org/2020/10/01/919006693/the-rules-for-a-peaceful-transition-of-power-between-presidents
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/23/us/politics/trump-power-transfer-2020-election.html
https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/elections/100000007359680/pelosi-trump-transfer-of-power.html?searchResultPosition=3
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/17/mcconnell-biden-transition-437055
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/24/gop-peaceful-power-transfer-421025
https://nypost.com/2020/11/17/mitch-mcconnell-says-there-will-be-an-orderly-transfer-of-power/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/06/us/politics/trump-election-voter-fraud.html?searchResultPosition=3
https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/politics/100000007465583/biden-harris-transition-2020-election.html?searchResultPosition=3
https://www.npr.org/2020/11/02/929085584/how-to-lose-an-election-a-brief-history-of-the-presidential-concession-speech
https://www.npr.org/sections/biden-transition-updates/2020/11/26/939386434/trump-is-in-no-mood-to-concede-but-says-will-leave-white-house
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/12/15/us/joe-biden-trump
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/12/14/us/elections/electoral-college-results.html?name=styln-transition®ion=TOP_BANNER&block=storyline_menu_recirc&action=click&pgtype=LegacyCollection&impression_id=d6d3c4a0-3f23-11eb-90e1-1163374aed01&variant=show
I asked some students if they think Trump will agree to a peaceful transfer of power. Here are their opinions:
“I don’t think that he’s ever going to be like ‘I lost the presidency’ and I don’t think he’s ever going to publicly concede, but I don’t think he’s going to make a big fuss about leaving the White House I think he’ll do it quietly. I think he’ll make it very difficult for president-elect Biden but I don’t think he will be causing public violence and disarray. I also think that coronavirus and what has happened with it over the past months will definitely affect the transfer of power.”
“I think he’s going to peacefully transfer power, but in the weeks building up to the inauguration, he’s going to go crazy.”
“I think he will try to win his legal battles, but there isn’t much he can actually do to not transfer power. But some of his extreme supporters will probably try to support him.”
“No, I do not think Trump will agree to a peaceful transfer of power. He has said before that he would not have a peaceful transfer of power, he said he wouldn’t even need to, and now that he lost, I don’t think it will change. I think that he will have to be forced out of the white house because he has not accepted the outcome of the election.”
“I think he will have to. Just because he’s the president and he didn’t get re-elected doesn’t mean that he can just stay there and pretend he won when he didn’t. Do you think, if Biden had lost, that he would have forced himself into the White House? No! And even though this is Trump we’re talking about, he is under pressure from people across the world to get out, and I think he will. Although his life is not going to be pretty after, he has to accept the results at some point. Many people think he’s just some lunatic who cheated his way into office, and I can’t say I don’t agree with all of that, but at the end of the day he lost, and even he knows it, so does the House and the Senate and the hundreds of millions of citizens who live in the U.S. I don’t think that he will admit his loss, or that he will accept Joe Biden, or even that he will start moving his belongings out until January 19, but he will leave the White House when he has to.”
Trump so far has not given a concession speech. In addition, Trump has made multiple claims of voter fraud surrounding the election that isn’t backed up by any substantial proof. Key swing states have verified the number of votes that have been counted, which are still in Biden’s favor. Some Republicans have assured that a peaceful transfer of power will happen. According to Politico, Mitch McConnell said “all of this will happen right on time and we’ll swear in the next administration on Jan. 20.” Recently, Mitch McConnell has congratulated President-elect Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris on winning the election. Republicans in Congress have been saying there will be a peaceful transition, but they have not made any comments about how they plan to do so. The Electoral College results have been verified, that Biden has won the election. Trump has said that he will leave the White House on January 20th, the inauguration of President-elect Biden, but he seems to think that between when there is going to be sometime after when the electors meet and inauguration day, that there will be some change in his favor.
Sources:
https://www.history.com/news/peaceful-transfer-power-adams-jefferson
https://www.npr.org/2020/10/01/919006693/the-rules-for-a-peaceful-transition-of-power-between-presidents
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/23/us/politics/trump-power-transfer-2020-election.html
https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/elections/100000007359680/pelosi-trump-transfer-of-power.html?searchResultPosition=3
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/17/mcconnell-biden-transition-437055
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/24/gop-peaceful-power-transfer-421025
https://nypost.com/2020/11/17/mitch-mcconnell-says-there-will-be-an-orderly-transfer-of-power/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/06/us/politics/trump-election-voter-fraud.html?searchResultPosition=3
https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/politics/100000007465583/biden-harris-transition-2020-election.html?searchResultPosition=3
https://www.npr.org/2020/11/02/929085584/how-to-lose-an-election-a-brief-history-of-the-presidential-concession-speech
https://www.npr.org/sections/biden-transition-updates/2020/11/26/939386434/trump-is-in-no-mood-to-concede-but-says-will-leave-white-house
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/12/15/us/joe-biden-trump
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/12/14/us/elections/electoral-college-results.html?name=styln-transition®ion=TOP_BANNER&block=storyline_menu_recirc&action=click&pgtype=LegacyCollection&impression_id=d6d3c4a0-3f23-11eb-90e1-1163374aed01&variant=show
Uma was deemed the president of the Upper School last Wednesday, with Ellie as her VP. We had over 20 candidates run for office, with only three allowed to go on to the general election. Although all of the candidates worked very hard, the popular vote chose Micah T., Roland S. and Uma C. It’s likely that the reason why lower grades did not make it past the general elections is that there were so many candidates within the lower grades that it ensured the votes to be spread thin. Soon enough, the next election was underway. Three candidates battled for one spot, however, only two came close. Uma won 45.8% of the popular vote, Micah received 39.6%, and Roland fell a bit behind at a 14.6% vote. It is fair to say that all of the candidates had similar approaches and views, but the way their views were delivered may have been a factor in the election.
Now that Uma has been chosen as president of the United States, it’s time for action. Like any elections, we still will have to push in order to get the world we wish for. Uma promised gun control, but are her policies strict enough? We were promised bias training for cops, but will they work? We never heard her stance on reproductive rights, or direct policies for immigration but now that she’s been elected, we have time to see where she will guide the country. However, we need to make sure that the new president keeps her promises, and maybe even take some of the other candidate’s proposals. Maybe she’ll follow Micah’s path on abortion and sexual assault. Maybe she’ll follow Roland’s path on taxing the rich. There are so many possibilities for Uma’s time as president, but remember, we citizens might have to fight for the changes we want to see.
Now that Uma has been chosen as president of the United States, it’s time for action. Like any elections, we still will have to push in order to get the world we wish for. Uma promised gun control, but are her policies strict enough? We were promised bias training for cops, but will they work? We never heard her stance on reproductive rights, or direct policies for immigration but now that she’s been elected, we have time to see where she will guide the country. However, we need to make sure that the new president keeps her promises, and maybe even take some of the other candidate’s proposals. Maybe she’ll follow Micah’s path on abortion and sexual assault. Maybe she’ll follow Roland’s path on taxing the rich. There are so many possibilities for Uma’s time as president, but remember, we citizens might have to fight for the changes we want to see.
Coverage of Bank Street Presidential & Vice Presidential Debate Available Now
Bank Street Election Podcast
Bank Street Monday Memo October 16 Election Special: Meet the candidates in the Upper School Election. Uma, Roland and Micah have made it through the primary & will face off in the General Election. Listen as they present their platforms and answer some tough questions.
Character Cabin: Heidi, Katharine 11/12s
Heidi is one of my favorite characters of all time. She is a little girl who is forced to go live with her grandfather, an old man who lives in isolation far up in the Swiss Alps. The story follows her as she learns about the mountains and all of the beautiful things in it. However, just when it seems like nothing could go wrong, Heidi is taken off the mountains and down to the city of Frankfurt in Germany.
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How to Spot a Democrat
Liam, Chase, Chance, Luki 12/13s
Review: SNL @ Home
Julian, 13/14s
When everything began to close in the quarantine, one of my biggest questions was: Will SNL still happen? But, with most facilities closed, it seemed hopeless until Friday, April 10th hit. The headline: SNL will be conducting an at home version of it’s show.
8th Graders' View of the End
JP, 13/14s
The end of Bank Street nears for all 8th graders. Many of us have different views and feelings about virtual graduation, leaving Bank Street, and finishing off Bank Street online. I, for one, do not exactly know what to expect of virtual graduation. Will it be sentimental even via zoom? Days later will I feel the impact of graduating Bank Street and moving on to a whole new chapter? Or will I feel empty. I did a few interviews with 8th graders to find out how they anticipate the end of the year. Read below to see this strange moment through our eyes.
Millie from the 13/14s speaks of how she saw these milestones before and how she now views them. She mentioned what closure means and its value: “I think that I would mentally be much better off not having a virtual graduation, and waiting until we can be together. I long for the celebration we have all been waiting for, not staring at people I've grown up with through a screen for an hour on June 10th. I think that as I have gone through the high school process, I have been preparing myself to let go. Let go of Bank Street as an immediate, daily place and hold onto relationships and memories. I think that I want nothing more than to be in person for these months, but because we can't, I would like the least amount of 'last' or 'final' things online, I can't really explain it well, this is simply how I feel. I hope we will meet in the park or find a way to be in person in the auditorium socially distant on June 10th, but in reality, I don't think we will. I sadly believe that we will finish off the year with messy zoom calls and a un-satisfactory graduation, at least in my eyes. I just want my classmates to know how much I love them and that my teachers are aware of how much they have changed my life and how much I appreciate them.”
When Millie spoke of completing the high school process and letting go of Bank Street, it resonated with me as I also feel that completing Bank Street and going through a whole new chapter of life does not feel right online and does not leave me with the same accomplished feeling. I also found it interesting when she says that she does not want online milestones like graduation and would rather just wait to be with others. I never really thought about that and it really makes sense to me now. However, we both understand that the teachers and administration are doing everything they can to make this a memorable year. We will miss the amazing staff at Bank Street and miss being with them right now, but even online we can still show our appreciation and enjoy being with each other. .
Like Millie, Lousine also spoke of her disappointment of not getting to finish her year and have graduation in person at this time: “I would have to say that having virtual graduation is extremely disappointing and sad. I feel that so many of us have looked forward to this moment for so long, and now that it's finally here, it's pretty unfortunate and makes me somewhat angry that we're not going to be together physically; just through a screen. I know that being in quarantine is necessary, but to have our time at Bank Street end like this is unbelievable. I know for sure that I never anticipated our 8th grade year to end like this.”
Both Millie and Lousine believe that virtual graduation is just not the kind of milestone that is important for them. Lousine understands that quarantine is necessary and it is something that we have to adjust to.
Alexander from the 13/14s spoke of how unique this experience was; “It's not something that a lot of kids are going to experience for the next fifty years so it is special but, honestly, I don’t really know what to think of it. I know we will still have a great time and all that but I know that it is not going to be the same as in person.” He went on speaking of how many of the Bank Street teachers are making the best of the situation and how hard they are working; ‘‘I think teachers here--like John Regis trying to keep Footloose alive and Kendra and Katherine managing diplomas and all of that. I think they're working so we can have the best possible graduation we can.”
I agree with Alex that this experience is something only we at this time experience. I also love that Alex spoke about the teachers like John, Kendra, Katherine and all the rest who are working so hard. I am so happy that during this time, those are the people that are leading me. They are working very hard for us.
Naomi spoke of the disappointment of missing Bank Street and finishing online, but also of the uniqueness of this moment: “I am really going to miss Bank Street. It is really sad that we have to do the end of the year online, but it's better than nothing. I'm sure we will find a way to make it special, it just won't be the same experience.”
Naomi understands like Alex that while it is sad, it is also something new and just as special.
Finally, what Julian said is very special to me because after he acknowledged the disappointments he went on to speak about the positive and just as true side of this experience: “Well like most of my peers, I am very sad that the events at the end of our eighth grade year that we've looked forward to for possibly years are not going to occur. Those events are the musical (Footloose), our Washington D.C. trip and an in-person graduation. Although, I do appreciate Bank Street's efforts to still let us have an end of year to remember. Saara has been using the Upper School's Instagram account to give photo tributes to the Class of 2020. John Regis is going to edit together a "The Show Must Go Online" version of Footloose. Finally, Ali McKersie and Jo Stein have been working really hard to make sure we can still meet members of US Government like Representatives G.K. Butterfield, Steve Israel and Raúl Grijalva and Senators like Ron Wyden. So all-in-all, it's not exactly how I wanted to leave Bank Street but it will still be an exit to remember and I am totally fine with that!”
Julian painted the full picture both sad and happy about this time. He speaks of the amazing efforts of the teachers and Saara at Bank Street. Like him, I also am grateful to be able to meet all these guests in our grade and hear them speak. I appreciate John and his efforts to memorialize our grade and trudge through these tough times with us to make something great online. Saara has also been spreading her kindness and empathy to our class of 2020 and this is something I will never forget.
Millie from the 13/14s speaks of how she saw these milestones before and how she now views them. She mentioned what closure means and its value: “I think that I would mentally be much better off not having a virtual graduation, and waiting until we can be together. I long for the celebration we have all been waiting for, not staring at people I've grown up with through a screen for an hour on June 10th. I think that as I have gone through the high school process, I have been preparing myself to let go. Let go of Bank Street as an immediate, daily place and hold onto relationships and memories. I think that I want nothing more than to be in person for these months, but because we can't, I would like the least amount of 'last' or 'final' things online, I can't really explain it well, this is simply how I feel. I hope we will meet in the park or find a way to be in person in the auditorium socially distant on June 10th, but in reality, I don't think we will. I sadly believe that we will finish off the year with messy zoom calls and a un-satisfactory graduation, at least in my eyes. I just want my classmates to know how much I love them and that my teachers are aware of how much they have changed my life and how much I appreciate them.”
When Millie spoke of completing the high school process and letting go of Bank Street, it resonated with me as I also feel that completing Bank Street and going through a whole new chapter of life does not feel right online and does not leave me with the same accomplished feeling. I also found it interesting when she says that she does not want online milestones like graduation and would rather just wait to be with others. I never really thought about that and it really makes sense to me now. However, we both understand that the teachers and administration are doing everything they can to make this a memorable year. We will miss the amazing staff at Bank Street and miss being with them right now, but even online we can still show our appreciation and enjoy being with each other. .
Like Millie, Lousine also spoke of her disappointment of not getting to finish her year and have graduation in person at this time: “I would have to say that having virtual graduation is extremely disappointing and sad. I feel that so many of us have looked forward to this moment for so long, and now that it's finally here, it's pretty unfortunate and makes me somewhat angry that we're not going to be together physically; just through a screen. I know that being in quarantine is necessary, but to have our time at Bank Street end like this is unbelievable. I know for sure that I never anticipated our 8th grade year to end like this.”
Both Millie and Lousine believe that virtual graduation is just not the kind of milestone that is important for them. Lousine understands that quarantine is necessary and it is something that we have to adjust to.
Alexander from the 13/14s spoke of how unique this experience was; “It's not something that a lot of kids are going to experience for the next fifty years so it is special but, honestly, I don’t really know what to think of it. I know we will still have a great time and all that but I know that it is not going to be the same as in person.” He went on speaking of how many of the Bank Street teachers are making the best of the situation and how hard they are working; ‘‘I think teachers here--like John Regis trying to keep Footloose alive and Kendra and Katherine managing diplomas and all of that. I think they're working so we can have the best possible graduation we can.”
I agree with Alex that this experience is something only we at this time experience. I also love that Alex spoke about the teachers like John, Kendra, Katherine and all the rest who are working so hard. I am so happy that during this time, those are the people that are leading me. They are working very hard for us.
Naomi spoke of the disappointment of missing Bank Street and finishing online, but also of the uniqueness of this moment: “I am really going to miss Bank Street. It is really sad that we have to do the end of the year online, but it's better than nothing. I'm sure we will find a way to make it special, it just won't be the same experience.”
Naomi understands like Alex that while it is sad, it is also something new and just as special.
Finally, what Julian said is very special to me because after he acknowledged the disappointments he went on to speak about the positive and just as true side of this experience: “Well like most of my peers, I am very sad that the events at the end of our eighth grade year that we've looked forward to for possibly years are not going to occur. Those events are the musical (Footloose), our Washington D.C. trip and an in-person graduation. Although, I do appreciate Bank Street's efforts to still let us have an end of year to remember. Saara has been using the Upper School's Instagram account to give photo tributes to the Class of 2020. John Regis is going to edit together a "The Show Must Go Online" version of Footloose. Finally, Ali McKersie and Jo Stein have been working really hard to make sure we can still meet members of US Government like Representatives G.K. Butterfield, Steve Israel and Raúl Grijalva and Senators like Ron Wyden. So all-in-all, it's not exactly how I wanted to leave Bank Street but it will still be an exit to remember and I am totally fine with that!”
Julian painted the full picture both sad and happy about this time. He speaks of the amazing efforts of the teachers and Saara at Bank Street. Like him, I also am grateful to be able to meet all these guests in our grade and hear them speak. I appreciate John and his efforts to memorialize our grade and trudge through these tough times with us to make something great online. Saara has also been spreading her kindness and empathy to our class of 2020 and this is something I will never forget.
Hey Political Quaranteam! It’s been a while since our last edition of 2020 Vision and we have a lot of big news to cover regarding our presidential election and the coronavirus. Let’s jump right into it
Stuck at home? Here are 20 things to do while social distancing.
Julian, Alex and JP, 13/14s
We are living in very uncertain times and we need to listen to our officials that tell us, we need to stay inside due to concerns of COVID-19 or coronavirus. Although that might seem boring and days might feel like months during this spring break, don’t worry! We’ve got tons of things you can do to pass the time. From games to crafts, you’ll never be bored at home again during your quarantine. Join the Quaranteam!
- Complete some jigsaw puzzles.
- Print and play some Ken Ken! You can even play online.
- Solve the daily NYT crossword!
- Play different board games:
- Scrabble
- Game of Life
- Boggle
- Monopoly
- Or some card games:
- Go Fish
- Rummy
- B.S.
- Solitaire
- Anomia
- Learn some magic tricks through YouTube or books.
- READ! Find some new books to dive into.
- Write new stories (maybe even for BSL)! Practice and polish your creative writing!
- Video chat with friends using Skype or FaceTime
- Listen to music or make your own! If you or one of your parent(s)/guardian(s) has an iPhone or computer, try using GarageBand to make your own beats and songs. There are other apps on the Google Play store like BandLab.
- Practice an instrument you play or learn a new one.
- Practice a language you’re learning. Using Duolingo or other apps.
- Read BSL articles and listen to podcasts on it.
- For those who like opera, watch the Met Opera Streams at this link
- Make a painting, drawing, or another fun crafts project with the materials you can find at home.
- Since museums are closed, take a virtual tour! Check them out here.
- Bake or cook your favorite dish!
- Meditate using apps.
- Learn how to do different things on WikiHow or learn something new on Wikipedia
- Reinvent the wheel!
2020 VISION
Season 2, Episode 6: Primarily Primaries
Alex, Julian, and JP 13/14s
A Visit From the Past
Madeline & Madeline 12/13s
The Nazis targeted many of Jewish families during their reign, and they plundered many goods including priceless art and books from many Jewish families. Many were affected, and suffered great losses of loved ones and possessions. Millions of books were stolen by Nazi groups during World War II from countries around Europe. Although many of these surely will not be found, libraries in Germany and Austria have returned about 30,000 books to 600 families.
Over 516,000 pieces of art - paintings, sculptures, and more - were also plundered by the Nazis. Many countries, like Austria, Germany, and Israel, are trying to get Nazi-looted art back to it’s original owner. Poland has done a poor job of providing justice to Jewish people whose art has been stolen. These works are now part of museum collections in Poland; several pieces identified as missing are being held by one museum called the Gdansk, and scholars suspect the Polish have more in other cities which the Nazis stored cultural artifacts they had looted.
According to Anne Webber, the founder of a nonprofit organization that helps return stolen works, “There is no commitment at a museum level, or at a national level or at a political level to return these works that are in the country.” She, along with others, believes that there is no legal responsibility for countries to return artistic works. Some laws decree that sold works are property of the buyer, since many didn’t know they were buying stolen pieces. However, some countries have very firm restitution laws in place to ensure that true owners get their pieces back. Laws and organizations differ based on the country’s beliefs and how they were affected.
People want to claim their families’ belongings, but museums and libraries feel the need to keep up their collections. Not everyone will be able to get their way, so this will definitely remain a controversial topic in the future.
Sources:
https://time.com/5553894/nazi-looted-painting-returned/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/12/arts/design/poland-nazi-looted-art.html?action=click&module=MoreIn&pgtype=Article®ion=Footer&action=click&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=Article®ion=Footer&contentCollection=Europe
http://artlawpodcast.com/2018/10/01/nazi-looted-art-legal-remedies-and-limitations/
Over 516,000 pieces of art - paintings, sculptures, and more - were also plundered by the Nazis. Many countries, like Austria, Germany, and Israel, are trying to get Nazi-looted art back to it’s original owner. Poland has done a poor job of providing justice to Jewish people whose art has been stolen. These works are now part of museum collections in Poland; several pieces identified as missing are being held by one museum called the Gdansk, and scholars suspect the Polish have more in other cities which the Nazis stored cultural artifacts they had looted.
According to Anne Webber, the founder of a nonprofit organization that helps return stolen works, “There is no commitment at a museum level, or at a national level or at a political level to return these works that are in the country.” She, along with others, believes that there is no legal responsibility for countries to return artistic works. Some laws decree that sold works are property of the buyer, since many didn’t know they were buying stolen pieces. However, some countries have very firm restitution laws in place to ensure that true owners get their pieces back. Laws and organizations differ based on the country’s beliefs and how they were affected.
People want to claim their families’ belongings, but museums and libraries feel the need to keep up their collections. Not everyone will be able to get their way, so this will definitely remain a controversial topic in the future.
Sources:
https://time.com/5553894/nazi-looted-painting-returned/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/12/arts/design/poland-nazi-looted-art.html?action=click&module=MoreIn&pgtype=Article®ion=Footer&action=click&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=Article®ion=Footer&contentCollection=Europe
http://artlawpodcast.com/2018/10/01/nazi-looted-art-legal-remedies-and-limitations/
Costa Rica is Banning Plastic in 2020
Darien and Lydia, 10/11s
This coming year, Costa Rica is banning all single use plastic. Costa Rica will be the first country to ban single use plastic. That includes straws, utensils, bags, bottles and cups made of plastic. ⅕ of the country's waste ends up in the beautiful landscape and oceans of Costa Rica. Even though Costa Rica is the first country to take action on the issue of plastic in the oceans, it is not alone in its struggles with climate change. According to the World Economic Forum and Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2016, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050 if we keep doing things the way we currently are.
Climate change is not only affecting Costa Rica’s environment. It is also harming the country's economy. Tourism and ecotourism are very important to the Costa Rican economy. They cannot afford to let their land be suffocated in trash, not only because they care for the environment, but because many Costa Ricans make their living off of ecotourism and it would be devastating to the country to let their main source of wealth perish. By ensuring the welfare of their environment, Costa Rica also is ensuring the health of their people. With less land and water pollution, there will be less chemicals in the land to pose a threat to the people who live in Costa Rica.
Once Costa Rica bans single use plastic, it will be an example to the world of how taking care of your environment is also taking care of your people.
Sources:
https://www.hakaimagazine.com/news/how-enough-floating-plastic-could-change-the-sea/
https://borgenproject.org/costa-rica-bans-single-use-plastics/
Climate change is not only affecting Costa Rica’s environment. It is also harming the country's economy. Tourism and ecotourism are very important to the Costa Rican economy. They cannot afford to let their land be suffocated in trash, not only because they care for the environment, but because many Costa Ricans make their living off of ecotourism and it would be devastating to the country to let their main source of wealth perish. By ensuring the welfare of their environment, Costa Rica also is ensuring the health of their people. With less land and water pollution, there will be less chemicals in the land to pose a threat to the people who live in Costa Rica.
Once Costa Rica bans single use plastic, it will be an example to the world of how taking care of your environment is also taking care of your people.
Sources:
https://www.hakaimagazine.com/news/how-enough-floating-plastic-could-change-the-sea/
https://borgenproject.org/costa-rica-bans-single-use-plastics/
Are Vaccines Good For You?
Madeline and Madeline 12/13s
Guardians who are taking the children they are responsible for to the playground are getting asked this question over and over again: Are your kids vaccinated? Although most never expected to be asked the question, it now overwhelms many parents. The majority of people get their children and themselves vaccinated. However, some don’t, and a lot of people feel uncertain when it comes to vaccines. The World Health Organization has listed vaccine hesitancy as a top threat to global health, and although some think of vaccines as critical to human health, they are seen by others as a danger.
Annual Sheep Invasion in Madrid, Tai 10/11s |
Should School Start Later?
Madeline and Madeline 12/13s
Many studies have shown that kids should get more sleep, and many have found that children and teenagers do not get enough. Schools and organizations have done studies, and they show that children and teenagers would benefit from more sleep.
23 Ways To Help Save Our Earth, Darien 10/11s
Climate change is a huge problem facing humanity today. We only have approximately 12 years before we reach a point where we can’t reverse the damage we have inflicted on our planet. We need to take action now! Here are some things you can do to help at school and at home.
In school...
At home...
Sources
https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/earth/
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov › ocean › earthday
In school...
- Bring metal utensils from home to eat with
- Use computers for assignments instead of paper when possible
- Have a “scrap paper” bin for paper that is used, but still reusable
- Bring reusable water bottles from home
- Turn off the lights when you leave a room
- Recycle plastic and paper
- Compost food scraps, but try to eat as much as you can. Don’t waste food!
- Buy used kindles and paper books
- Start a club to teach people and talk to them about climate change and how to fix it
At home...
- Recycle plastic and paper
- Turn off the lights when you leave a room
- Instead of AC, leave a window open if possible
- Take shorter showers
- Don’t buy products from factory farms
- Compost food scraps if possible, but still try to eat as much as you can; don’t waste food
- Turn off the sink when you brush your teeth
- Buy used kindles and paper books
- Turn the TV off when you’re not using it
- Plant a tree
- Choose energy efficient light bulbs
- Go to protests and marches to show save our environment
- Use reusable bags instead of plastic when you buy your groceries
- Take chargers out of the outlet when you are not using them
- Close the fridge door right away
- Buy used clothes, books, furniture, etc.
Sources
https://www.nationalgeographic.com.au/earth/
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov › ocean › earthday
2020 VISION
Season 2, Episode 2: Foreign Policy
Alex and Julian 13/14s
The Evolution of Superteams in the NBA,
Theo, 11/12s
The term superteam in the NBA refers to a team with two to three superstars, usually in or close to their prime. These superteams sometimes win a ton of games, and some completely defy expectations and lose way more games than they should. Teams have gone out of their way to build these superteams. They have taken over the league, affecting style of play, strategic signings, and amount of competition. I will talk about the effects a superteam has on the league and other teams. I will also address how the superteam era has progressed in the 21st century. I hope you enjoy the article!