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Amazon’s Uprising During the Pandemic
ARTICLE BY JILLIAN RAGUSO
IMAGE BY ALYSSA FINK
Amazon’s sales are skyrocketing due to the global pandemic COVID-19. Amazon has recently become the most successful business; the CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, has become one of the top three richest people on earth as well.
Thanks to the pandemic, Bezos and Amazon have seen a drastic rise in sales and success of the world's biggest business.
COVID 19: The Death of Small Businesses?
ARTICLE BY SOPHIA GARRITANO
PHOTO BY VANESSA THERIAULT
In March 2020, prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, small businesses were thriving and consumers were able to go anywhere to shop. The economy was doing great and worldwide consumption was at its peak.
A year later, after all the Covid lockdowns, it has become increasingly more difficult for people to run to the store and do daily shopping. This has led to a worldwide change in consumption.
A Transformed Workplace: Will the Office Ever be the Same?
BY ELEANOR DEMPSEY
A decade ago, working from home effectively was unthinkable and there was seldom reason for it. Technology was not advanced enough; if coworkers needed to communicate, they would have to meet in person, call, or email.
Now, everyone knows someone who works from home, and it is likely that they experienced it themselves. It would be difficult to find someone under the age of 70 who has never heard of Zoom.
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Making the Change to Full Time Schooling
ARTICLE BY EMMA DOUGHERTY
PHOTO BY ALEX GUAMAN
In Westchester, New York, and many neighboring areas, schools are going back full time. As Covid cases are going down, Governor Cuomo and the CDC Department of Health believe it is a safe option. The Mount Pleasant Central School District chooses to take part in this change.
It is important to look at many different perspectives when noticing this change, as it will affect all people differently.
COVID Cases Continue to Fall as Vaccines are Distributed Across the U.S.
ARTICLE BY JACOB CRUZ-MEDRANDA
PHOTO BY MEAGAN PAPAZIAN
In 2021, COVID-19 has continued to plague the United States, causing several deaths every day. On a good note, the cases have dropped tremendously due to the vigorous effort to find a vaccine, put forth by Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, and many more.
The reason for the rapid drop in cases: vaccines are undoubtedly being output at an exponential rate. Scientists across the world continue to research new strands and vaccinations to provide the easiest recovery to the global pandemic.
Online School Effects on Teachers
BY ALEXIS STRATIGAKIS
During the Covid-19 pandemic, schools had to find new ways to reopen their buildings; in order to do this, teachers had to begin teaching from their sofas. Teaching from home became a huge transition for faculty members. However, is working from home beginning to be overwhelming for teachers?
As teachers across the country have been switching to online learning, people have begun to question how it is truly impacting teachers and students.
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Trending: Salon Suites on the Rise
ARTICLE BY ALEXA HUDD
PHOTO BY JULIE LOMURNO
The salon industry has introduced a new and efficient way to work. Professionals in the beauty industry are now recently opening their own businesses in salon suites. Salon suites are simply fully prepared rooms in which beauty professionals can own and manage their own businesses and clients. The main difference between a suite and a traditional salon is the ownership.
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Importance of Photography
ARTICLE & PHOTO BY PETER MARDJONOVIC
Photography is a visual art form that creates images by recording light electronically through the means of the image sensor or through the means of a light-sensitive material, such as photographic film. Photography is important because it is a spark for change, tells a story, and is history through images.
Protests vs. Riots
BY AVA DISALVO
In this article I plan to not only state my thoughts on riots vs protests, but explain what they mean legally and why it is important that when reporting news, we properly characterize each as what they are.
By definition, a protest is ‘a statement or action expressing disapproval or objection to something’. What transpired during the months where BLM was expressed greatly in 2020 were largely protests.
Regardless of whether or not they remained peaceful, they (the vast majority) were quite literally not riots until an act of violence itself was committed. People described breaking and destroying businesses as a protest, and people holding up a sign on the side of the road as a riot or incitement.
In Person vs. Virtual Learning
BY KATHLEEN BENNETT
The quick switch from in person learning every day to virtual learning was a difficult transition for everyone, but it was for everyone’s safety. When September came, students were excited to hear that they would be returning to school on a hybrid model: two or three days in person a week, with alternating virtual days. Although this promised students and teachers alike the opportunity to have some normalcy in education, the question remains: is this model really sufficient?
COVID-19 Vaccine: Is it Safe?
BY KYLIE LYDEN
With the virus still lurking, we are about to enter the one year mark of the Covid 19 pandemic. It has been a hard year for everyone, and lots has happened. Most people probably thought by now everything would be back to normal; unfortunately, that's not the case. Although there is promise in the future, everyone still questions when the world will begin to rotate normally.
After months and months of having little progression, there has finally been a discovery for the Covid 19 vaccine. Many are skeptical about this vaccine and wonder if it is really the answer to end this pandemic.
COVID-19 Vaccine News
BY KATHLEEN BENNETT
The world is on its way back to normalcy with the approved COVID-19 vaccines. Three companies have worked hard to get high effective rates for these vaccines. The companies that have their vaccine approved are Pfizer, Moderna and BioNTech.
The government and the vaccine companies have and are continuing to distribute the vaccines to the states in the United States of America. All essential workers, which includes all hospital staff, are the first people to get vaccinated without being part of a trial.
The Endangerment of Sea Otters Burdened the Environment, Now They’re Back
BY ANASTASIA TCHERNIKOV
During the 18th and 19th century, and even into the 20th century, sea otters were nearly hunted to extinction for their luxuriant pelts. Other threats to the species include entrapment or entanglement in fishing gear, oil spills, and climate change, dwindling populations on the coasts of California and Mexico. As a result, southern sea otters have been recognized as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, until now, as conservation efforts attempt to reintroduce them to their coastal homes, according to Carswell.
Google Meet vs. Screencastify
BY JESSICA MOTTA
With the Coronavirus pandemic still among us, there have been many changes in the education system and the way in which we are educating the young people in our society, from kindergarten through college.
Obviously, there is the classic solution: Google Meet. The schools that are not fully back in person, which is many schools throughout America, have a hybrid system in place. This system employs the use of Google Classroom and Google Meets to educate and teach the curriculum when the students are not in school.
How to stay positive during quarantine
BY AVA DISALVO
2020 has been a difficult year for many. Quarantine and the coronavirus are topics we are new to, and had to adjust to in a short amount of time. As a result, many people are dissuaded and upset due to the sudden change in lifestyle. In this article, I hope to recommend information/techniques I found helpful to remain positive during quarantine.
Black Lives Matter
June 16, 2020
By MANPREET KAUR
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was held down and arrested by a white cop for using a fake $20 bill.
He was held down by a Minneapolis police officer’s knee and was choked to death. Without listening to his justification, the aggressive cop murdered Floyd maybe because of his skin color.
Essential Workers are the Backbone of the Country
June 16, 2020
By KASSANDRA GREEN
It’s an extremely strange time for everyone in the nation, as the Coronavirus pandemic sweeps through the world. People have been asked to self-quarantine and to stay home as much as possible.
However, there are some people still leaving their houses and braving being in the general public, all for the sake of helping others.
New Free Time
June 16, 2020
By JANE OLSZEWSKI
In many households across the country and around the world, ovens and stoves are getting fired up now more than ever. The reason this is happening is simple: quarantine.
Quarantine has made us realize that time is one of the most, if not the most, important things we are given, and now with all this free time on our hands, people are deciding to use their time to make new skills and enhance their previous ones.
Face-to-face school or digital learning?
June 16, 2020
By PETER MARDJONOVIC
Since the start of quarantine, schools all over the world have moved from face-to-face learning to at home online learning. The massive change of education has greatly affected many students, some for better and for worse. Every student works differently and students are finding ways that work best for them.
Coronavirus vs. The 2020 Election
June 01, 2020
By DEANNA REYNOLDS
The coronavirus pandemic is all that seems to be on the news lately. When people turn on their TV or open up their phone, they are bombarded with new information coming out about the virus. This can be very overwhelming for many people. However, just a few months ago, all the news outlets were focused on the 2020 election and the Democratic primaries. As the elections are talked about less due to the coronavirus, they are drastically impacted.
Combating Loneliness During Quarantine
June 01, 2020
By ANASTASIA TCHERNIKOV
Social isolation, loneliness and living alone exceed the risks of death associated with obesity, physical activity and air pollution, in fact, one study from Dr. Holt-Lunstad concluded that loneliness increases the risk of an earlier death by 26 percent.
However, being alone and lonely can be classified as two completely different ideas. It’s possible to live alone, work alone, and travel alone while feeling totally at peace with yourself, but on the other hand, loneliness hits differently, says Healthline.
Effects of COVID-19 on Frontline Workers
June 01, 2020
By BAILEY RODGERS
Lights and sirens flashing, multiple calls requesting ambulances and loss of members. With the country on lockdown, people on the frontlines risk their lives every minute to save others during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is affecting first responders both physically and mentally.
The Importance of Mental Healthy During Quarantine
June 01, 2020
By ALYSSA GUTIERREZ
The Coronavirus is a heavily talked about topic in the media today. Every single day, no matter what platform you are on, the worldwide pandemic is being discussed. What many do not hear about in the media is the toll of the mental health that this virus is taking on the people working and in quarantine.
Increase in Limited Resources and Hoarding Due to the Coronavirus
June 01, 2020
By SARAH MCCORMACK
Covid-19 has spread a worldwide panic causing people to hoard resources, and has left grocery stores shelves empty. Hoarding has been stressful for everyone, big families in particular. Larger families who require more necessities from stores are suffering because cleaning supplies and toilet paper are wiped from the selves. Many people are taking all they can get without thinking of others in these nerve racking times.
The Lawsuit: College Board vs. Students
June 01, 2020
By PETER MARDJONOVIC
Due to the coronavirus leaving everyone in quarantine, the College Board surveyed over 18,000 students to see if they wanted to have the same opportunity as years before taking the exam. College Board reports that a lot of students agreed on the fact they would like to continue taking the exams from home online, although circumstances this time around were obviously very different.
No Cash Bail Dangers
June 01, 2020
By EDVIN VERZIVOLLI
A new law has been established and put in place as of 2020for New York State. The law eliminates cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felony crimes. It was created to reduce the number of incarcerations in jail, however, this has sparked numerous debates and controversy over its effectiveness and reliability.
Life Before COVID-19: Taking It for Granted
June 01, 2020
By LAUREN ABBATE
The invisible global enemy, Covid-19, has completely shifted the world and how it operates. The pandemic has taken thousands of lives and infected hundreds of thousands of people in the recent months. With that being said, many people across the globe are beginning to recognize the beauty of what life was like before the pandemic. The coronavirus allowed certain aspects of life, that were once taken for granted, to shine in a new light.
Is No Cash Bail Hurting Society?
June 01, 2020
By AUTUMN VERNA
In the beginning of 2020, New York joined California and New Jersey by passing the no cash bail reform. While the reform does help the overpopulation of jails, no cash bail is doing more harm than good because it is jeopardizing the public’s safety.
Beyond the Surface, Monsters Crawl
June 01, 2020
By SIENA EDWARDS
May is mental health awareness month. Mental health is incredibly important and often overlooked, and this pandemic has taken a toll on everyone's mental health in some way or another. With everything up in the air right now, with everything that is going on in the world right now, we can’t be certain about much, however, one thing we can be certain about is the way we treat others.
Politicians Quick To Reevaluate New York’s Bail
June 01, 2020
By MATTHEW MYNES
All across the country, politicians have become open-minded to criminal justice reform by easing sentences and eliminating policies that discriminate against minorities. On January 1st, New York State enacted a law invoking a no cash bail policy, an idea rooted in fighting a system that unfairly targets minorities and the poor. The law is largely supported by the Democratic Party.
Athena: Goddess of War Against Amazon
March 02, 2020
By JESSICA MOTTA
Amazon, a popular company specializing in delivering products to consumers has begun to receive backlash two decades after starting up. In the New York Times article, “Activists Build a Grass-Roots Alliance Against Amazon,” by David Streitfield, a resistance group, called Athena, is beginning to form and take control of the media.
Youth Suicide: Why has this become such a problem?
March 02, 2020
By AVA DISALVO
In recent years, the world has unfortunately seen a large rise in the amount of children and teenagers who end their lives early by committing suicide. Suicide, now the second leading cause of death in young adults, has always been present - but never at this rate.
It is very unfortunate to behold, for it is not just the age of the victim (children), but that we must understand the level of desperation they face to attempt (and succeed) to take their own life.
Westlake High School Puts on Chicago The Musical: High School Edition.
March 02, 2020
By ABBEY MARTIN
At the end of March, Westlake High School will be putting on a production of Chicago The Musical: High School Edition. The play consists of kids from all grades coming together to take part in this 1920's musical.
The director is the school's Chorus Teacher, Mrs. Melito, and the choreographer is town member, Gina Horan.
The Steps to Taking Flight
March 02, 2020
By SIENNA EDWARDS
No matter what happens, it is always possible to change. Whether that change is for better or worse is up to you. Everyone deserves a chance to be happy, no matter who they are or who they were.
There are bad people in this world, but it does not mean that they don't deserve to be happy, everyone does. The world is full of bad people with beautiful hearts; beneath their actions and reputation is someone who is good.
Virus Explosion
March 02, 2020
By KATHLEEN BENNETT
People are quickly being infected with COVID-19 in the Eastern hemisphere, while the death toll rises because of the Coronavirus within the last two months. The death toll is rising because this virus is very contagious and is spreading rapidly by human interaction.
The Conflicts in Iran and What They Mean for the US
March 02, 2020
By DEANNA REYNOLDS
On January 3, 2020, the head of Iran’s security machinery, Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani was killed by an American drone strike near the Baghdad airport. Suleimani was the leader in Iran’s efforts to shape the axis of Shiite influence around the Middle East.
Musicians in the Media: How Artists are Changing Life As We Know It
December 19, 2019
By OLIVIA CARTANO
Though they are commonly seen simply as sources of entertainment, today’s most popular musicians play a surprisingly large role in how society conducts itself. Artists today are constantly pushing at the boundaries of societal norms.
Why should we vaccinate?
December 19, 2019
By AVA DISALVO
Vaccines play a very large and important role in today’s society. Yet, some people seem to be against them. This causes people to wonder, should we vaccinate our children?
The answer is yes, for a multitude of reasons. But first, let's discuss some of the incorrect reasons why people do not vaccinate their children.
Impeachment: the Process, the History, and the Current Investigation
December 19, 2019
By DEANNA REYNOLDS
What does the process of impeachment entail? What is currently happening with President Trump’s impeachment? Over the past few weeks, America has witnessed history being made as House Democrats, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have moved to impeach Trump, and have published two articles of impeachment. But, here is a brief summary before we dive in.
Cell Phone Addiction
December 19, 2019
By REBECCA CROSS
Over a billion results in half-a-second; contact with billions of people with the click of a button; and access to whatever one desires is all available within reach.
Cell phones: what once began as a portable tool for communication has evolved into a technology much greater. However, coupled with the mobile devices’ benefits, is the shrewd psychological manipulation of the modern tech-world. It is important to analyze the detrimental aspects of the never-ending, rapid conduit of information that cell phones provide.
Fences Movie Review
December 19, 2019
By ARIANNA MURATORE
The movie adapted from its original play version, Fences (2016), is about protagonist Troy Maxson, who missed his chance at becoming a professional baseball player; it was too late by the time the major leagues allowed black athletes to play. Fences is a powerful story that focuses on Maxson’s family, Maxson’s inability to cope with his lost opportunity and how this ultimately impedes on his son’s life. The movie is an adaptation of the acclaimed play, set in the 1950s, and highlights topics of family and racial barriers.
Disney+
December 19, 2019
By PETER MARDJONOVIC
The Disney Plus app is another mainstream service app that has come into public view during the last few years. Disney Plus, unlike other streaming apps, is quite different because of what it offers. Disney Plus captures the heart of both young and old by features every Disney television show and movie for easy access and entertainment for the low price of $6.99 a month.
Effects of Social Media
December 19, 2019
By JULIE LYDEN
According to Charlotte Hilton Andersen, of Reader’s Digest, “Depression is like a war. You either win or die trying.” Many teens experience depression at a young age for many reasons. Unfortunately, as of late, social media has heightened the increase in teen depression.
According to National Public Radio, “A study published Thursday in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology finds the percentage of U.S. teens and young adults reporting mental distress, depression and suicidal thoughts and actions has risen significantly over the past decade.”
California Stands with Athletes
October 30, 2019
By JACOB CRUZ-MEDRANDA
For many high school students, a universal goal for athletes is to go to an NCAA Division 1 college for an extensive assortment of sports. For years, this ambitious goal was merely for personal enjoyment or an ample opportunity to go to the major leagues. Currently, many sports agents and athletes have persistently advocated for college athletes to be compensated for their work. The rule against college compensation has caused many potential college stars’ careers to be sullied.
Capital Punishment
October 30, 2019
By SAMANTHA LUBART
The first set of laws ever written, the Code of Hammurabi, was based on the principle of "an eye for an eye." One would think that as civilization and society advanced and progressed, this simplistic idea would be put to rest, but this mindset still persists in the modern American justice system in the form of capital punishment.
Pete Buttigieg: Who Is He and What Is His Campaign About?
October 30, 2019
By DEANNA REYNOLDS
With twelve people running for the democratic nomination, many people have never heard the name “Pete Buttigieg” before. As one of the many candidates, his name can get lost in the sea of online articles and information. However, he is becoming more prevalent in the media due to his status and his campaign. As of October 29, 2019, he is the 4th top polling democratic candidate.
Global Sea Levels Are Rising
October 30, 2019
By REBECCA CROSS
Global sea levels are a central issue in today’s news as they have risen in the recent century, and scientists predict similar results in the future. NASA reports, “Global sea level rose about eight inches in the last century. The rate in the last two decades, however, is nearly double that of the last century and is accelerating slightly every year.”
The Benefits of Music While Studying and Working on Homework
January 01, 2020
By AVA DISALVO
Many teens listen to music while studying, and this raises a very important question: does listening to music while studying help teens or harm them?
The answers to this question vary, as each individual person will experience different results when listening to music, but multiple sources and studies find the overall effects of music to be beneficial to teens.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Destroys Over $5 million of Rifles, Keeping them off the shelves
October 30, 2019
By JESSICA MOTTA
Popular sporting goods store, Dicks Sporting Goods, has taken over $5 million in military style semi-automatic rifles off the shelves and destroyed them. Chief executive, Edward W. Stack commented that the stores are reviewing whether it could continue to sell guns in its over 720 stores.
CBD Used as a Herroin Treatment
June 24, 2019
By SIENA EDWARDS
CBD, cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive agent in marijuana, is now being used to treat heroin, cocaine, and opioid drug addictions because the need for treatment is on the rise.
Since 2000, nearly 400,000 Americans from an opioid-related death alone. That number is only slightly smaller than the number of soldiers that died in World War II.
Georgia Passes “Heartbeat Bill” to Ban Abortions After a Heartbeat is Heard
June 24, 2019
By ANASTASIA TCHERNIKOV
In an effort to lessen the number of abortions in the US, Georgia passes the “heartbeat bill” to ban abortions when a heartbeat is first recognized in a fetus.
This “heartbeat bill” in Georgia seeks to ban abortions after a heartbeat, essentially 6 weeks, before a woman could even know that she is pregnant; however, this does not include situations with rape, incest, or times when the mother is in danger. This type of restriction, instead of an outright ban, is a more favored and more successful strategy when trying to limit abortions.
UN to Halt Food Aid in Yemen
June 24, 2019
BY REBECCA CROSS
By the year 2030, the United Nations aims to eradicate global hunger as they assert their goals of “Ending hunger, and ensuring access by all people to safe, nutritious food,” the UN global issues’ page, “Food,” states. Historically, The United Nations has taken this goal very seriously. Therefore, on Monday, when the food agency threatened to halt food aid in Yemen, many reacted in disbelief.
What is The Meaning of Life?
June 24, 2019
By SIENA EDWARDS
Philosophers have devoted their lives to figure out life's unanswerable questions. They have tried to figure out why people are here or what our purpose is. However, there is one question that people ponder quite often: what is the meaning of life? I myself have contemplated this question and I have looked at it from quite a few different angles. I have tried looking at it through different perspectives. I have come to a conclusion about what I think the meaning of life is. The meaning of life is simply to live it.
Combatting an Epidemic: Increasing Environmental Quality
June 24, 2019
By REBECCA CROSS
In 2017, data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics demonstrated 1,688,780 new cases of cancer and 600,920 deaths in the United States due to cancer, according to The Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Almost every individual is aware of someone who has been plagued by cancer and connected to the heartbreak involved. Therefore, scientists and researchers consider the solution to the cancer epidemic prominent as The Cancer Journal for Clinicians asserts, “Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide and is the second leading cause of death in the United States.”
Benefits of Speaking Multiple Languages
June 24, 2019
By PETER MARDJONOVIC
Many people want to be able to understand foreign languages for reasons as simple as understanding someone in a nail salon or to understanding an international business call. However, people who speak one language usually wish to understand but never take the steps to learn.
A Crash Course in Boeing’s Wrongdoings
April 17, 2019
By SERA MISHRA
When you ask any adolescent what superpower they would want to have, almost every time they will say they want to fly. Humans have become obsessed with touching the sky, but as our aspirations raise higher we cannot forget to ground ourselves as well. As the Wright Brothers flew their first plane, they spurred a phenomenon and cultural revolution. Ironically, soaring too high is where Boeing went wrong in their endeavors as their planes plummeted to the Earth on October 29, 2018 and March 10, 2019.
College Admissions Scandal
April 17, 2019
By ANASTASIA TCHERNIKOV
How far is too far for college admissions?
Recent college admission scandals involving actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman, and others have arisen in the media. William ¨Rick¨ Singer, accused of receiving bribes in order to cheat on college entrance exams, also falsified athletic records for students to get into schools such as, UCLA, USC, Stanford, Yale, and Georgetown.
New Beginnings for the Art Teachers
April 17, 2019
By ASHLEY ALVAREZ
The 2018-2019 school year at Westlake High School brought a change for the high school art teachers; this year, different from prior years, high school teachers were given the assignment of teaching a middle school class. Although this is a new situation for all involved, they are excited to teach a middle school students.
The Green New Deal
April 17, 2019
By REBECCA CROSS
The environment has proven to be an important issue among many Americans for quite some time. Recently, much attention has been brought to the environment, specifically, in the form of The Green New Deal. While many rally behind the glistening promises of the deal, others have expressed concern in regards to the finances and logistics.
Turn Over a New Leaf, Marijuana Should Not be Legalized
February 15, 2019
By SIENA EDWARDS
Weed, cannabis, marijuana; call it what you want, but changing the name does not change the truth.
Marijuana is an illegal drug in forty out of the fifty states, but in ten states, it is legal for recreational usage. Marijuana is destroying people and disrupting nations.
In this world, everyone wants more money; and so, the government is trying to make Marijuana legal for recreational use in more states. Marijuana is killing thousands of people and people can not be trusted to use it safely. Marijuana should not become legal in any more states.
Missing teen, Jayme Closs
February 25, 2019
By PETER MARDJONOVIC
Jayme Closs was like every other teenage girl in America: she went to school; had friends and a loving family; had her own interests and her own goals to fulfill in life.
But, what happened to Jayme Closs on October 15, 2018 was not something every other teenage girl in America experienced.
Jake Patterson, 21, kidnapped Jayme Closs and is accused of killing her parents, James and Denise Closs.
Aladdin - Westlake Middle School Theatre Production
February 15, 2019
By SERA MISHRA
On January 31 and February 1, 2, and 3, Aladdin premiered in the John S. Whearty Theater. The show, similar to the Disney movie, is centered around a poor street dweller named Aladdin who finds a genie and turns his life around and meets a princess named Jasmine.
Sixteen Candles: Out-Of-Date and Outrageous
December 18, 2018
By SERA MISHRA
Sixteen Candles marked a revolution of teen essence, and touched many young hearts of its time. The John Hughes classic will always be seen as a martyr in media history, and Molly Ringwald is spectacular in the lead role. But we should not let this blind us from the hazardous subject matter it contains.
Wicked A Broadway Musical Review: A Not So Wicked Show To See
December 18, 2018
By VALENTINA RUBIO
“Wicked” the Musical, written by Stephen Schwartz, is a new take on the classic children’s story of the Wizard of Oz. It tells the story of two witches, Glinda the Good and Elphaba, better known as the Wicked Witch of the West. This show gives us the early years of Elphaba and Glinda’s life, and how they became the characters they are known as today. Their stories, however, are much different than the story that’s been told.
Negative Effects of Sleep Deprivation
December 18, 2018
By PETER MARDJONOVIC
Sleep deprivation is what many people worldwide are experiencing. Multiple reasons for why this could be happening can be found within the fields of people overworking themselves or within the realms of schoolwork and work shifts. Sleep deprivation affects people many different ways as we’ll ranging from depression to feelings of weakness and or fatigue.
Holiday Must Haves 2018
December 18, 2018
By EMILY PENSABENE
Late November and early December are when people really begin to go crazy with holiday shopping. Between Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and constant deals from stores, people always shop for their loved ones. There’s always people who are hard to buy for, so knowing the 2018 holiday must haves is extremely handy for this time of the year.
American Greed
December 18, 2018
By SERA MISHRA
“The people of this generation can have everything handed to them.” Surely, anyone from ages two to twenty-five has heard the tumultuous phrase in some variation or another. People might work hard, but they will never work as hard as the people a century ago. This is so because we are given too many resources; instead of exploring life ourselves, we Google incessantly.
Does Your Baby Have Designer Clothing or Genes?
December 18, 2018
By SIENA EDWARDS
Once a flourishing empire has turned into a dwindling company. During the first three months of this year, General Motors has reported one billion dollars in losses. At the moment, this company is heading down a rocky road. With an uncertain future, General Motors can lead to the potential destruction of many communities.
General Motors, Too Big to Fail
December 18, 2018
By CATHERINE CAVAZZINI
Once a flourishing empire has turned into a dwindling company. During the first three months of this year, General Motors has reported one billion dollars in losses. At the moment, this company is heading down a rocky road. With an uncertain future, General Motors can lead to the potential destruction of many communities.
Review of Circe
October 22, 2018
By ARIANNA EDWARDS
The novel Circe by Madeline Miller opens with the line “When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist.”
Nike Advertisement: Backlash or Progression?
October 18, 2018
By EMILY PENSABENE
On September 3rd of 2018, it was announced that Colin Kaepernick had a negotiated new deal with Nike. Signing this deal made Kaepernick the new face of the “Just Do It” Nike campaign.
Fraternities and Sororities: Alphas on Campus
October 19, 2018
By SAMANTHA LASCALA
Greek life: it’s the epitome of college.
When people think about going to college or see schools portrayed in movies, Greek life always holds its weight. Recently, fraternities, often referred to as frats, and sororities are under fire by many for being dangerous.
WHS School Safety
October 19, 2018
By ELIZABETH GOMEZ
Every day 560 students walk into Westlake High School to learn and pursue their educational career while under the assumption that they are in good hands.
“The safety of students is of utmost importance,” Mrs. Esposito, a study hall monitor at Westlake High school, said. Everyday she is left in charge with hundreds of students at a time.
Teen Stress
October 19, 2018
By REBECCA CROSS
It has been reported that with newer generations, stress levels continue to increase and that teenagers today are more stressed than ever before.
Behind the Scenes of Westlake Football
October 19, 2018
By ALYSSA FINICK
The 2018 Junior Varsity Westlake Football team is like a family; they all started playing because they loved the sport. There are many benefits of being on the team.
Westlake Through the Eyes of a Freshman
October 19, 2018
By ABBEY MARTIN
The 2018 freshman class at Westlake High School left their middle schools and enrolled into high school they shared their experiences and opinions about their freshman year so far.
How Last Year's Seniors' Departure Affected the Team
October 19, 2018
By JONPETER FIORENZA
Westlake’s Fall 2018 Boys’ Varsity team is 0-6-2. The rest of the school is experiencing shock, as the team looks for a solution to their losing record in panic.
They have not been playing as well because of past graduates and countless injuries.
Combatting an Epidemic: Increasing Environmental Quality
June 20, 2018
By REBECCA CROSS
In 2017, data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics demonstrated 1,688,780 new cases of cancer and 600,920 deaths in the United States due to cancer, according to The Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
America's Border Crisis
January 01, 2020
By REBECCA CROSS
In recent times, the American-Mexican border crisis has risen through the ranks as an issue of prominence. According to Michael Nicholson of the Center for American Progress, “The number of foreign-born individuals in the U.S. population has more than quadrupled since 1965 and is expected to reach 78 million by 2065.” He also asserts that “Mexicans account for half of all unauthorized immigrants in the United States, but the unauthorized Mexican population is declining. In 2014, 5.8 million unauthorized immigrants from Mexico resided in the United States, compared with 6.4 million in 2009 and 6.9 million in 2007.”
NHL Playoffs
June 20, 2018
By EDMUND GRECO
Currently in the 2018 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Finals, the Washington Capitals lead the Las Vegas Golden Knights 3-1.
There are still three games to be played in the series. The Las Vegas Golden Knights won the first game of the series, creating historic confidence for the first year team.
Quasi Trade War
May 31, 2018
By EDMUND GRECO
Journalist Graeme Wearden summarizes current events concerning foreign trade relations between the United States and China in “US and China put trade war 'on hold.’” The article explains recent developments in the quasi “trade war” between the two countries, which the White House recently announced will be ending, thanks to talks with China.
Terror at Breakfast
May 31, 2018
By EMILY RUBINO
“‘Have you met James? James saved a lot of lives.’”
On April 22, James Shaw Jr and a friend found themselves seated at their local Waffle House in Nashville. Moments later, NPR reports, four people sitting around them were fatally shot by Travis J. Reinking, a 29 year old construction worker.
The Royal Wedding
May 31, 2018
BY EMILY PENSABENE
On May 19, 2018, many people around the world tuned into the Royal Wedding, known as the Modern Wedding.
The wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry actually went against tradition because their wedding was held on a Saturday, royal weddings are supposed to happen on a weekday, according to Vogue.
Meet the Prince of Cambridge
May 31, 2018
BY MICHELLE FLYNN
The world anxiously awaited the arrival of the newest addition to the royal family. Speculation over gender and which name the family would choose for the smallest member of the family surrounded the media buzz for the length of the Duchess's pregnancy. Finally, the world has to wait no longer.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have welcomed a baby boy!
Allison Mack
May 31, 2018
By EMILY PENSABENE
Just who is Allison Mack? She is an actress, most well known for her role on the show, “Smallville,” and works with a women’s group named, Jness, run by Keith Raniere, who is also connected with the website, Nxivm. Raniere’s group focuses on teaching women to accept men as polygamists, according to FrankReport.
Inappropriate Use of Drugs in Nursing Homes
February 08, 2018
By EMILY PENSABENE
The pill that makes some companies millions is the same pill that can potentially harm an elder man or woman.
#METOO Movement
February 08, 2018
By EMILY PENSABENE
In 2017, Time Magazine decided to honor “The Silence Breakers” as their Person of the Year. “The Silence Breakers” are the men and women who came out publicly with their own experiences with sexual harassment and assault. These people helped created a nationwide movement, the #MeToo movement. Lindsey Bever and Abby Ohlheiser say that Time Magazine called these people “‘the voices that launched a movement.’”
USA Gymnastics Attempts to Silence the Abused
February 08, 2018
By BECCA CROSS
University of Michigan and Olympics doctor, Larry Nassar has gathered controversy over the three decades he practiced medicine. However, on January 16, 2018, it all culminated in a hearing before a judge.
Allegations Against Aziz Ansari: Why We Should Pay Attention
February 08, 2018
By AMANDA BRADLEY
Throughout the past couple of months, influential men in Hollywood have been getting called out for sexual harassment on many counts, including Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey. While they have been called out and ostracized by the media, as more claims arise, the less seriously they are taken.
iPhone X
February 08, 2018
By ALESSANDRA BLASONE
In November of 2017, Apple released their 10th-year anniversary phone, the iPhone X.
2018 Superbowl
February 01, 2018
By EDMUND GRECO
Superbowl LII(52) is coming closer and closer. The NFL championship game, premiering on Sunday February 4th, will be played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots. The game is expected to be watched by millions of people and will be available on NBC, kickoff is at 6:30 p.m.
Harvey Weinstein: The Filmmaker’s Fall From Grace
December 04, 2017
By BECCA CROSS
On October 5, 2017, the first slew of headlines regarding sexual harassment and assault at the hands of powerful Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein were released. According to Forbes.com, with over 341 Academy Award nominations and 81 wins, Weinstein's impact, clout, and success in the filmmaking industry is evident.
Amazon vs. Apple
December 04, 2017
By EDMUND GRECO
Two of the world’s most powerful commerce companies, Amazon Inc. and Apple Inc., are renowned for their notoriety and influence in the modern global world. Although not technically both technical companies, both provide a pathway to the future with their constant innovations and influence.
What the Media Refuses to Publicize: 26 Nigerian Girls Found Fead in the Mediterranean Sea
December 04, 2017
By MICHELLE FLYNN
On November 6, 2017, the bodies of 26 Nigerian teenage girls were found by an anti-trafficking rescue boat called the Cantabria at the site of two shipwrecks alarmingly close to the Italian coast.
When Poilitics and Sports Collide
October 23, 2017
By BECCA CROSS
About this time last year, American televisions were fixated on a single image. Stadiums filled with crowds of heightened fans and the field of athletes with electricity running through their veins as they focused their attention on a renowned singer. Everyone in a uniform position, pride for their country soaring as the National Anthem played. Everyone in accord, except for one kneeling on the field.
Hair Today, Entrepreneur Tomorrow
October 24, 2017
BY KYLIE GOTTLIEB
If you look up the word “entrepreneur” in the dictionary, you will most probably find a picture of our own Westlake junior, Dylan Agosto.
The Rohingya Refugee Crisis
October 24, 2017
By EMILY RUBINO
Since August, there has been escalating tension between the Rohingya ethnic group and the Burmese militia. According to Dewan of CNN, this conflict has led to over 582,000 refugees fleeing Burma and migrating into Bangladesh since the summer.
Westlake's Chalk Art
October 31, 2017
By ABBEY MARTIN
The annual Chalk Art Competition at Westlake is a fun after school competition where kids compete to win candy and even some money based on the artistic displays. Students have to decorate a 5-by-5 square using chalk as the medium. Each year there is a different theme to create within two hours, and this year, the focus was “Into the Wild.”
The Current Status of the Obamacare Repeal Effort
October 31, 2017
By EDMUND GRECO
The effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act(ACA) has proved to be very rocky for GOP lawmakers under the Trump administration. The repeal and/or replace of the Obama-era healthcare policy, Obamacare, formally known as the Affordable Care Act, has been a goal long strived for by GOP lawmakers since the implementation of the act in 2010.
Beauty and the Beast Movie Review
March 27, 2017
Beauty and the Beast is a live-action remake of a Disney classic, with just a few slight changes. It still maintains the bone-structure of the original animated classic musical/romance/fairytale epic, but is a little darker and goes much deeper with the characters in its additional 45 minutes.
Conflict Over Unfair Pay Leaves U.S Women’s Hockey Team Threatening to Boycott World Championships
March 27, 2017
“We have represented our country with dignity and deserve to be treated with fairness and respect,” Meghan Duggan, team captain of the United States women’s national hockey team, announced this Wednesday after conflict with USA Hockey.
According to Stephen Whyno, with ABC News, the team is currently threatening to boycott the International Ice Hockey Federation world championship over wage disputes.
Top New Years Resolutions of 2017
February 07, 2017
The making of New Year’s Resolutions is a tradition practiced all around the world. It derived back during the time of the Babylonians, over 4,000 years ago, and still carries over into today. People often use the idea of New Year’s as a time to close the door on a certain chapter in their lives, and begin fresh with a new one, which is where the resolutions come in.
Tony Nominations 2017
May 04, 2017
The 2017 Tony Award nominations came out Tuesday, May 2 at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. According to E! News, Kevin Spacey will host the 71st annual event, presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. It will air live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS June 11 at 8 p.m. ET.
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Details About NYC's Halloween Terrorist Attack
November 03, 2017
By EMILY RUBINO
On October 31, 2017, Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov drove into a crowd of pedestrians and bicyclists in New York City after planning the attack for several weeks.