BY YOUSEF GHARIB
STAFF WRITER
It sounds like the unbeatable final level of an action-packed video game. Unfortunately, it’s all too real for Xbox 360 owners — a circle of flashing LED lights around the power button that indicates a massive hardware failure.
BY VENKATA KARAVADI
Diwali, also spelled Divali, one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, lasting for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month, Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. A Hindu festival of lights, held in the period October to November. It is particularly associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and marks the beginning of the fiscal year in India. (The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October and November). The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. The third day of Diwali is celebrated on Saturday, November 14, 2020. Observances of Diwali differ depending on region and tradition. Among Hindus, the most widespread custom is the lighting of diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In Bengal, the goddess Kali is worshipped. In North India the festival also celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama (along with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman[there are many Indian gods that Indian people worship. TONS]) to the city of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the 10-headed king of the demons, thus connecting the festival with the holiday of Dussehra. In South India, the festival marks Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura. Some celebrate Diwali as a commemoration of the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu, while others observe it as the birthday of Lakshmi.
During the festival, diyas are lit and placed in rows along the parapets of temples and houses and set adrift on rivers and streams. Homes are decorated, and floors inside and out are covered with rangoli, consisting of elaborate designs made of coloured rice, sand, or flower petals. The doors and windows of houses are kept open in the hope that Lakshmi will find her way inside and bless the residents with wealth and success.Diwali is generally a time for visiting, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, feasting, feeding the poor, and setting off fireworks (though such displays have been restricted to limit noise and other environmental pollution). Gambling, especially in the form of card games, is encouraged as a way of ensuring good luck in the coming year and in remembrance of the games of dice played by Shiva and Parvati on Mount Kailasa or similar contests between Radha and Krishna. Ritually, in honour of Lakshmi, the female player always wins. The time of Diwali is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year. Diwali literally means a row of Lights. It is a time filled with light and love; a time when Indians all over the world rejoice. The meaning of Diwali, its symbols and rituals, and the reasons for celebration are innumerable. Diwali also celebrates Lord Rama’s glorious and long awaited return to his kingdom of Ayodhya after his fourteen years of exile in the forests. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakaasura who had kidnapped and terrorised the gopis of Vrindavan. It is also celebrated as the day Bhagwan Vishnu married Maha Lakshmi. Diwali is also associated with the story of the fall of Bali – a demon king who was defeated by Lord Vishnu.We decorate our homes with lanterns; but what is the symbolism behind that? Those lanterns signify God’s light, penetrating through the ignorance and sin of our daily lives. They signify the divine light, shining its way through this mundane world. A home bathed in light is a home in which anger, pain and ignorance are being dispelled; it is a home that is calling to God. However, too many people turn this into a domestic beauty contest, spending days and a great deal of money to purchase the newest diyas, the most beautiful candles. This is only the light of glamour. It is not the light of God.
The light of Diwali should be within us. It should symbolize the personal relationship between God and our families. Let the light penetrate inward, for only there will it have lasting benefit. A piece of cotton soaked in ghee, lit with a pure heart, a conscious mind, and a desire to be free from ignorance is far “brighter” than 100 expensive deepaks.
BY ROWAN RAVERTY
STAFF WRITER
We like to congratulate you on making it into Luxywing Academy as a new Mixwing! Your knowledge of magic didn’t come as a surprise, as your mother was at the top of her year when she attended. She surely would be proud to know her half-blood daughter made it into the first class for half-blood witches.
Your classes will look a lot different then the four other wings. That is because we are still working out all the kinks of how to teach you, Being you all are only half witches, some witch teaching tactics might not work. We want to make sure everyone is learning at the same pace as well as they are comfortable with our teaching.
Your Wing Keeper will be Mr. Owlvox. He was one of our Duel Class Professor’s before volunteering to be your keeper. He has a half blood child himself you’ll be learning with.
Your common room is in the basement of the school. It was the only safe place we could find for you. Don’t worry, everything in the room shall be clean by the time you arrive. We would hate it if a student got a dirty room and felt uncomfortable. We want your common room to feel as safe as possible.
And since this is the first time we’ll have Mixwings, you guys will not have your own Hexball team. There won’t be enough students to make a full team. But don’t worry, the Wishwings are letting you try out for their team! Since they are a low class like you, I hope you all get along.
Now, I won’t promise you’ll get along with everyone. The Starwings might bully you, it’s just what they do. We’ll try our best to make sure it won’t happen, but we can’t change their minds about not liking you. Their families are just blind sometimes. Some of the teachers might be wary of you too. For some of them, they haven’t experienced some species you half bloods are related to.
I hope this cleared some things up for you. We wanted to give you as much knowledge as we could about the school before you came. Don’t be afraid to contact us if you have any more questions!
Sincerely, The School Board
BY PRISHA RATHORE
STAFF WRITER
Hello, welcome to another article in the “DIY Rainbow Loom” series! Today I will teach you how to make a standard beginner bracelet called the diamond bracelet. You will need a loom, hook, s-clip/c-clip, and rubber bands.
First, make sure you start placing bands on the side where the red arrow is closer to you.
Second, start placing your bands in a diamond pattern like the example below.
Continue using the images below to help you place the bands.
Once you have placed all your bands, the final result should look like this.
Turn your loom over to the side where there is no red arrow. It is time to start looming!
Now, we are going to learn how to make a cap-band. It will help bind off the bracelet. Use the examples below to make one.
You are officially ready to loom! Place your hook in the cap-band, grab a band, take it off the peg, and then place it on the peg that has a corresponding color.
Do the same with the yellow band.
Start looming the yellow and pink bands. If you need help, read the steps above.
Good Job! Reach inside those bands and grab the band that corresponds to the one diagonal to it. Continue looming after you have done that.
Once you are finished looming the whole thing, your loom should look like this.
Turn your loom over so the red arrow is closest to you.
Stick your hook inside the bands at the end.
Start to carefully take it off the loom; afterward, it should look like this.
Lastly, attach a clip to the end and connect the bracelet.
Nice work, you did it! If you are really interested in Rainbow Loom, there are many YouTubers that have tutorials on how to loom, too. I hope this was fun for you!
BY LAASYA AKI
STAFF WRITER
Modifying genes in cells used to take up years, but with these genetic scissors, that process can be shortened to a few weeks.
Modifying and snipping genes is useful for a lot of reasons. We can remove a genome that causes a disease or illness before a baby is born. We can breed different plant species to find the perfect combination of multiple types. We can also eliminate diseases and viruses in plants. There are so many different things we can do, but, modifying genes isn’t always an option because of how long it takes and how much it can cost. The older methods weren’t as precise, either. But now, we can snip and edit DNA in just a few weeks.
CRISPR is a tool that is used for editing and snipping the genome. Scientists can replicate DNA and edit DNA sequences. This was what took so long before this discovery was made.
Emmanuelle Charpenteir and Jennifer Doudna discovered this; it’s one of the sharpest tools which can snip DNA. The CRISPR/Cas9 scissors allow scientists to change the DNA of many different organisms with extreme precision. This new tool allows us to edit DNA with precision that we have never seen before. These scissors have revolutionized science and will help lead to groundbreaking medical discoveries and treatments. Editing DNA at this level gives scientists even more freedom to explore the genes. This amazing discovery changed science for the better, but it also had a huge impact on society.
Charpenteir and Douda are also the first all-female recipients of the Nobel Prize. Their discovery took place in 2012, and they finally got recognition eight years later. This shows that their hard work and dedication paid off, and CRISPR will forever be changed for the better because of their discovery.
Sources:
https://time.com/5897538/nobel-prize-crispr-gene-editing/
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2020/press-release/
BY ALICE FONTANESI
STAFF WRITER
WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS TO THE PROMISED NEVERLAND ANIME. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Did this pandemic delay so many things you were looking forward to? Have you been waiting forever for season five of My Hero Academia to come out? Were you expecting the Demon Slayer movie to come out in September, but now it’s supposed to come to the U.S. in 2021 (based on true events of Alice Fontanesi’s impatience)? With season two coming in January 2021, it’s a great time to discover The Promised Neverland.
First of all, what is The Promised Neverland?
The Promised Neverland (Yauzoku no Nebarando) is a manga series written by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu. It was officially serialized by Weekly Shonen Jump in August of 2016 and adapted into an anime by CloverWorks in January of 2019. The series is expecting a live-action adaptation this December and won the 63rd award for Shogakukan Manga Award in 2018 in the shonen category.
Now, what is the plot of The Promised Neverland? In episode one, we’re introduced to the three main characters of the series. The first is Emma, an energetic and positive child, but one that doesn’t lack any intelligence. There’s also Norman, the more reserved member of the group, and Ray, a cold, but caring, friend. The three of them live with about 40 other “siblings” in an orphanage known as the Grace Field House. Their caretaker “Mom” (Isabella) takes care of all the children, and we are introduced to Sister Krone,another caretaker, later on in the series. Life couldn’t have been any better for the orphans. Great food, nice housing, a great mom, and plenty of play time – who wouldn’t like it?
When one of the orphans, Conny, is sent away, Emma and Norman realize that she has left her toy rabbit, Little Bunny, behind. They go to return it, but they discover Conny’s corpse instead. The two of them discover that this orphanage was actually a farm where children were raised to eventually be shipped out and eaten by demons. They collaborate with Ray, Don, and Gilda to construct a plan to escape the farm before any of the other children could be shipped out.
The story does a good job of keeping things realistic, a problem most horror stories have. There is plenty of tension between the characters now that they know what is going on, and the pacing is great. As a wannabe author, I find it hard to keep a nice flow in stories without making it seem rushed, forced, wonky, or anything else. The Promised Neverland doesn’t rush or make things too slow, which adds to the realism of the series.
Also, the characters are well written. The children are not only extremely smart, but mature, considering that most of the characters are between the ages of four and eleven. The adults in the story are also quite intriguing. Sister Krone is willing to help the children despite her desire to become a Mother because she doesn’t want any of the kids to become as twisted as she was. Isabella is also quite the character because you can always debate among yourself whether she is a good guy or not.
Despite a few minor problems, like the CGI backgrounds or the small differences between the anime and manga, The Promised Neverland is definitely a binge-worthy series and you should go watch it right now. Seriously, the first season is twelve episodes; this isn’t another One Piece. You can find the series on Crunchyroll and many other anime streaming platforms, so grab your tissues, a little buddy, and a reminder to stay away from the manga readers that like to spoil everything and watch this masterpiece.
BY MAYA CRANDALL
COMMUNICATIONS EDITOR
Many of us have had to find loopholes around doing the activities we love with COVID-19, and MSA Theatre is no exception. As they say, the show must go on…And it did. Broadcast will be premiering this Friday, November 20th, MSA’s first ever virtual fall play performance! Not to mention, it was written from the ground up by the cast members—all students of MSA. I had the opportunity to interview Karen Biedermann, director of the show, and Ethan Semler, one of the producers. Broadcast explores the intricate history and development of the radio, and seeing as it is a time where we are all trying to find ways to stay connected and tuned in to the world, I think it is an excellent opportunity to explore.
This show was written completely by MSA students from start to finish. Cast members were split into smaller groups that researched and explored the radio in a specified time period. The cast met as a large group once in a while to discuss the direction of the script and what they wanted to dive into storywise, as well as make edit suggestions together. Once finished with the script, the cast rehearsed via Zoom to find the best way to deliver lines, move within a limited space, and react to others during a scene. Costumes were also an important factor to integrate into the final product, as the show takes place throughout many different decades! Finally, everyone was ready to begin filming. After this, with the help of a group of talented producers and editors, the show was tied together.
“I am so incredibly proud of our students, and the work they have put in to make this show happen!” says Karen. “Not only are you seeing the students work on screen, but it is their research, their writing, their artwork, and their editing. They truly took ownership of what you see in this production, and that has been really inspiring.” Tickets are available on ShowTix4U and will be available to stream from Friday, November 20th through Sunday, November 22nd on the same device the tickets were purchased from. Described as “surprising, heartwarming, and thoughtful,” Broadcast will be a unique experience you won’t want to miss!
Photo Credit: Maya Dalal
BY MARKOS YIANGOU
STAFF WRITER
“Imagine that life is just a dream, and when you die, you just wake up and can re-enter right back in. Well that is our goal here at Infinite. We believe that this is possible through our WhirlPool program. With our new program we can simulate anything. Now, ladies and gentlemen, you came here for business . let’s say that you need to make a plan for battle, but you don’t know if something will go wrong. All you have to do is simulate all the possibilities of the battle so you can pick the best option,” said Director Simon.
“So you’re saying we don’t have to walk into battle without weighing options,” said General Hopston from the U.S.
“That’s exactly what I’m saying, so what do you say?” asked the director.
“Fine – six hundred million in US dollars but if this doesn’t work like you said I’m sending a squad here, and I’m going to unleash six hundred million dollars worth of anger on you.”
…
“This should pay for the money owed to the families of the subjects who died,” said the director to Dr. Brumen.
“Sir, remind me how they died?” asked Dr. Brumen.
“They died because their minds couldn’t hold the amount of pain they felt because of their trials. Their organs shut down as their brains thought they were dying. But we are close to finding a way to stop that, so that they last longer. Remember it’s for the greater good,” says the director.
…
Meanwhile, Team Alpha Seven of the organization D.A.G.G.E.R, a bureaucratic organization bent on stopping world threats:
“The mission is to infiltrate the enemy building aka Infinite operations center. We go undercover and steal the Whirlpool program’s data and get out, simple as that. Don’t get caught; if you do, don’t say a thing to them. lie tell half truths -anything, just don’t give up info. Remember there are innocent lives at stake.”
…
“Do you have that report doctor,” asked the director.
“Yes I do it’s right he-” said Dr. Brumen.
A gun-shot rang out. The director ducked under the desk, already digging in his desk to find his emergency gun. He found it then tapped the emergency button to tell security they were being attacked.
“Search for files, check the computer,” said one of the attackers.
That’s when the director heard the noises – security was coming, hopefully armed and ready. Then, out of nowhere a smoke grenade is thrown in, then gunshots, and then silence. That was the end of it; security lost no one. But the intruders supposedly all died when the security team counter attacked. Although, we all know what happens to intruders in Infinite.
BY LYNNE INOUYE AND SYDNEY WESCHCKE
EDITOR-IN-CHEIF IN TRAINING AND STAFF WRITER
Over the past few weeks, tens of thousands of Nigerians have amassed to protest repeated instances of police brutality and terrible governance. The initial goal of these protests was to shut down the notorious Special Anti Robbery Squad, or SARS, which reports of officers violating numerous human rights. The call to end SARS is not a new thing either; protests have been happening on and off since 2017. That just leaves the question of what exactly is the Special Anti Robbery Squad?
In 1992, SARS was set up as a way to combat armed robbery in Lagos, Nigeria, and its surrounding suburbs. It rapidly grew out of control, however, as the officers in it have no form of accountability. With many cases of police brutality, there has been more worldwide attention focusing on what SARS is doing. According to the Human Rights Organization, people in SARS custody were “subjected to a variety of methods of torture including hanging, mock execution, beating, punching and kicking, burning with cigarettes, waterboarding, near-asphyxiation with plastic bags…and sexual violence.”
SARS is also targeting many young people, especially those carrying laptops, smartphones, or other electronics. The government is very against such people as well, with the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, calling them lazy and unwilling to work. The starting point to the protests was when there were reports of SARS attacking a young man and driving off in his luxury jeep. This incident is what sparked the protests and the use of the hashtag #EndSARS.
Protests are still happening today, and it appears that they’ll only begin to get more violent, with the Lekki Massacre on October 20 being a prime example. In this incident, Nigerian soldiers fired upon peaceful protestors at Lekki Toll Gate, killing ten people. More reports of soldiers and police attacking and killing protesters are still coming in, as well. Nigerians, however, have not given up. Protestors, mostly made up of Nigerian youths, remain determined and continue to fight to have their voices heard and for a safe future in their country.
Thanks for reading this article; stay safe and stay informed!
Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/10/26/massive-protests-nigeria-explained/
https://www.gq.com/story/endsars-protests-police-brutality-nigeria
BY VENKATA KARAVADI
STAFF WRITER
Holi is an Indian tradition that is celebrated by throwing colored (and safe) powder and liquid at each other. Holi is called the festival of colors because of the amount of colored stuff they use during the day. Holi is celebrated during the month of March (since we do not have an exact date for Holi). Also, Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the Indian “festival of spring”, the “festival of colors”, or the “festival of love”. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil. Holi also celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, the blossoming of love, and for many, it’s a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. The festival also celebrates the beginning of a good spring harvest season. It lasts for a night and a day, starting on the evening of the Purnima (Full Moon day) falling in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna, which falls around the middle of March in the Gregorian calendar. Holi is considered one of the most revered and celebrated festivals of India and it is celebrated in almost every part of the country. It is also sometimes called the “festival of love” as on this day people get to unite together forgetting all resentments and all types of bad feelings towards each other. The great Indian festival lasts for a day and a night, which starts in the evening of Purnima or the Full Moon Day in the month of Falgun. It is celebrated with the name Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on the first evening of the festival and the following day is called Holi. In different parts of the country, it is known by different names.
The vibrancy of colors is something that brings in a lot of positivity in our lives and Holi being the festival of colors is actually a day worth rejoicing in. Holi is a famous Hindu festival that is celebrated in every part of India with the utmost joy and enthusiasm. The ritual starts by lighting up the bonfire one day before the day of Holi and this process symbolizes the triumph of good over the bad. On the day of Holi people play with colors with their friends and families and in the evening they show love and respect to their close ones with Abeer. Holi has been celebrated in the Indian subcontinent for centuries, with poems documenting celebrations dating back to the 4th century CE. It marks the beginning of spring after a long winter, symbolic of the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated in March, corresponding to the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. In 2020, Holi begins March 10.
There are varying accounts of Holi’s origin mentioned in several works of ancient Indian literature. According to one popular version of the story, an evil king became so powerful that he forced his subjects to worship him as their god. But to the king’s ire, his son Prahlada continued to be an ardent devotee of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu. The angry king plotted with his sister, Holika, to kill his son. Holika, who was immune to fire, tricked Prahlada to sit in a pyre with her. When the pyre was lit, the boy’s devotion to Lord Vishnu helped him walk away unscathed while Holika, from whom the festival derives its name, was burned to death despite her immunity. How Is Holi Celebrated? The advent of spring symbolizes rejuvenation, new beginnings, and everything in life that is optimistic, sunny, and brimming. Holi also has a share of mythical stories as the other Indian festivals. Also known as the festival of colors, the festival relates to the legend of Holika. The date of this festival varies as per the Hindu calendar every year. Earlier, this festival was only celebrated in India and Nepal. In recent times, it is celebrated all over Europe and North America where there is a huge Indian population. So, If you like to use colored powdered and liquid on your friends, then have fun during HOLI! (It is usually at the end of March.)
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