The Boulevard Volume II, Issue II Winter 2017 Newspaper Staff Reporters: Newberry Medal Winner, Kwame Tauba Ashrafi, Sidrah Ashrafi, Eliz- Alexander, Pulls Off #kwameshowsup abeth Balzac, Max Berger, Spencer Brodwin, Ella Cohen-Kashi, Eve by Leah Khayumov and the phone call, we thought she had Golan, Leah Hazan, Chrissy Hogue, Divya Maharaj won pizza for life.” In fact, this was Alex Kesin, Arib Khan, Avikar Kha- On the morning of De- the running story for some time kh, Leah Khayumov, Divya Maharaj, cember 6th, 2017, Mrs. Mauriello’s until his visit! Sasiru Pathiranage, Bella Rbin, Melissa period one class had the pleasure Michael P, said, “It made me happy Ruvinov, John Sabu, Lilli Seidman, Abby of meeting the world-renowned because we sang songs with him and Sherman, Yoni Sheerit, Ben Sonant, author, poet, and speaker Kwame he gave out his signature.” Emma Tsoglin, David Zimmerman Art Staff: Alexander. The prominent writer Sebastian Cruz said, “I was sur- Samantha Almonte,Stephanie Lopes is the recipient of the John New- prised he would come to our school Layout: Max Berger, Winnie Xu and bery Medal, a and give out au- Leila Xu prestigious award tographs and talk Faculty Advisor: gifted to the most about his book.” Mrs. Stacy Mauriello talented of writers. “I felt overwhelmed High School Advisors: He has written when he walked in. Winnie Xu and Leila Xu several books such My jaw dropped as The Crossover, when I realized it Inside the Issue Booked, The Play- was him. He even book, most recent- looked at me, and ly, Solo. gave me a high five! School News...... 1-7 Kwame Alexan- I felt so special!” der’s visit came as exclaimed Anastasia a result of a letter Inglima. World News...... 8-13 written to him by Shawn Bronfman a seventh grader admitted, “The in Mrs. Mauriello’s interaction with After Hours...... 14-15 ELA class, Matthew Pernia. The Kwame Alexander was very interest- letter was sent to Alexander as part ing because I learned incredible facts of an ELA assignment to write to about him. He also taught me that I Entertainment.....16-23 living authors. Alexander liked Per- should not give up, especially when nia’s letter so much that he decided things get rough. This is why I en- to surprise Mrs. Mauriello’s students joyed spending time with Kwame.” Opinions...... 24-27 with a signature #kwameshowsup One student said, “I can’t believe he visit. The visit was kept under wraps signed his picture on Mrs. Mo’s Hall so that it was a true surprise for all. of Fame of her favorite authors! Now Sports...... 28-29 We asked Mrs. Mauriello’s we can see his signature every single 1st period class how they felt when day as a reminder of his visit.” Kwame Alexander visited: The point of #kwame- Amber Almonte said, “I didn’t see showsup is that he shows up unan- it coming at all! When Mrs. Mo got nounced in... Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard School News 2 #kwameshowsup Continued... different schools across the moment.” no to any opportunity. He sees country to meets teachers, Alexander was born in New himself as a “say yes person.” librarians, and students. He York on August 21. He and his He also admits that, “Saying surprises them, takes pictures family moved to Reston, Virgi- yes can also be difficult to say and signs auto- na, when he because you don’t know where graphs! Teachers was a young that yes is going to take you.” He across the coun- boy. His encourages and inspires others try have been mother was to say yes as well. Saying “yes” writing him all an English changed his life, and he believes year in hopes teacher, it will change others lives as that he will visit while his well. Check out his TedTalk on their school. father was a the power of “Yes.” Mrs. Mauriel- writer him- He didn’t always write lo still cannot self. He was children’s’ books and poems. He believe he actually chose our also the headmaster at Alexan- started out his career writing school. der’s school. love poems. When she got the call, she said Alexander One of his love it was like, “an Oprah moment. grew up loving poem books I felt like an audience member poetry, and is Crush: on her famous episode when after college Love Poems. she shouted, ‘You get a car! And, he realized The reason you get a car!’ except it felt like he wanted to he decided to Alexander’s publicist was saying become a poet venture out ‘You get Kwame! And you get full-time. His and write The Kwame!’ It really was a ‘pinch- father thought Crossover me-is-this-happening-to-me?’ becoming a poet wouldn’t work, when a publisher asked, “Have moment. while his moth- you ever thought about writ- Our English er stayed very ing a book in the same style of Department supportive. your love poems, but one about Chair, Mrs. Later, his father young people?” Since he is a say Hochhauser, admitted he was “yes” person, he said yes, and and princi- critical because decided that it was time for him pal, Dr. Bau- he wanted to see to write a children’s’ novel. er, met with if he was being Since his visit, Mrs. Mau- me so that we serious about riello said that his books have could pull off becoming a been flying off of her shelves. his visit as a poet. In the end, Once one is returned, it’s imme- true surprise. It was also im- Alexander was extremely deter- diately taken out. She even has portant to me that I gather some mined to succeed. a waiting list! It seems like his of Kwame Alexander’s tried and Not only is Alexander an amaz- books are in high demand! true fans, even students of mine ing author and poet, but he Look out for his follow from last year. For some of those also believes in the power of up to Crossover, titled Rebound, students, it was a true celebrity “yes,” and doesn’t like saying due to hit stores this March. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard School News 3 The 7th and 8th Grade Science Fairs by Elizabeth Balzac and from other school districts across pleted projects testing different Lilli Seidman Long Island. There are more re- brands of consumer products, On December 15th, 2017, quirements and stricter guide- such as paper towels, batteries, the annual 8th grade science fair lines for the Long Island compe- sponges, and potato chips. The sci- was held in the Woodmere Mid- tition. From there, ribbons are ence fair was known as the “Con- dle School gymnasium. It was distributed and the certificates are sumer Olympics.” It was a great a required assignment for all given out at an award ceremony. experience for all students, and eighth grade students to complete The following students were challenged the students mentally. and there were over 200 entries. named winners: Natalie Popile- The following students were The theme for the science vsky, Elizabeth Balzac, Lilli Se- named winners: Ethan Abelev, fair this year allowed the students idman, Zoe Ng, Avikar Khakh, Nathaniel Levy, Elani Rocha, a lot of freedom to partake in any John Sabu, Emma Bellin, Sasiru Skylar Kampton, Leah Bragin, desired topic. After students se- Parthiranage, Benjamin Sherman, Anastasia Inglima, Rachel De- lected a topic, they phrased the Emma Tsoglin, Leah Hazan, Eden Marsico, Lily Cohen, Leeya idea into the sentence prompt : Vaknine, Justin Davis, Kyle Cun- Azemoun, Alex Feldman, Oliv- “How does ____ affect ____?” ningham, Alice Fried, Alex Kes- ia Ginzburg, Liah Zangi, Emily Through the Long Island Sci- in, Eve Golan and David Lamour. Erdos, Noah Kesler, Sasha Sher- ence Congress Inc., the winners The 7th grade science fair man, Gafi Pentinio, Hiral Chavre, are sent to St. Anthony’s High took place January 18th, 2018 in Ilana Mizrahi, Jadon Margu- School on April 17th of 2018, the Woodmere Middle School lies, Anneliese Baum, Jaime Ng, where they compete with peers gymnasium. The students com- Julia Shrem, and Paige Sirlin. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard School News 4 High School Theatre Department by Sidrah and Tauba Ashrafi They helped the sixth graders visational exercises, including On Thursday, December by giving them tips related to Emotional Fairytale, Rotations, 14, 2017 the High School The- writing, diction, and acting. The Park Bench, Taxi cab, Three ater Department came down to next day in class, students per- Headed Monster, and more. The Woodmere Middle School and formed their plays with props. students in Mrs. Mauriello’s 5th visited every class. They worked The high school students period class were especially fond with the 6th graders to create worked with the other grades, of a specific improvisational ex- and perform short plays and as well. The 7th and 8th graders ercise known as “Late for Work.” worked on improvisation with worked on improvisation in their The way it works is as follows: A the seventh and eighth graders. english classrooms. Improvisa- student who plays the “Late Em- Sixth graders n Mrs. Shep- tion is making things up on the ployee” steps out of the classroom pard’s 3rd period class worked spot, or performing without a as the rest of the students decide with the High Schoolers why they were late and to write and perform a how they got to work. skit based on the Egyp- After that is decided, tian deities. The story the co-workers try to was as follows: Seth, the act out the late employ- brother of the god of ee’s excuses, all while the underworld, wanted the “boss” asks the late the throne for himself, employee questions. The and not for his brother, boss often stops asking Osiris. So, Seth tricks questions, turns around Osiris, suffocates him to the actors pantomim- and drops him in the ing the excuse, and asks ocean. Isis, Osiris’s sis- them what they’re doing. ter and wife, looks for Then, they have to freeze her husband. She finds in the position they were his body, hides it in the in and give a reasonable desert, and returns to explanation as to what her son, Horus. Seth they are doing. The boss finds Osiris’s body in can fire them, and ask the desert and chops it other students to act up to pieces. Isis looks out the excuses instead. for her husband’s remains and script or previous rehearsals. The The crazier the excuse the better! wraps him up as a mummy. Now, major rule is called “yes, and.” Some of the things they did were Osiris is the god of the under- The “yes” means an actor must ballet, modeling, swimming, world, Isis believes that her son go along and agree with whatever and jumping. The improvisation should have the throne instead relationship, setting, or idea their was so fun, even Mrs. Mauriello of Seth. Isis tricks Seth into say- partner introduced. They cannot took part and portrayed the boss! ing that her son should be the discount it, no matter how out- It was an exciting and infor- ruler of Egypt and now Horus is landish it may seem. The “and” mative experience for all. Many the king of egypt and everybody means they also have to add students who hadn’t consid- lived happily ever after. The high to the scene on top of the idea ered getting involved in theatre school students were given cop- that was just suggested so that in high school have definitely ies of the scripts and taught the the scene doesn’t become stuck changed their minds and will re- sixth graders how to take the or stagnant. The high schoolers quest it as a class when they make play from the page to the stage. introduced a plethora of impro- their freshman year schedules. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard School News 5 My Long Island Experience by Sidrah Ashrafi thinking. We all had to hold learned many different things On December 4,5,and 6, hands in a circle and one of about the wilderness such as 2017, the 6th graders had a us had a hula hoop around how to keep warm and dry field trip to either Frost Val- us. Our goal was to get the if we ever were to be strand- ley or Long Island Adventure. person out of the hoop, but ed in the middle of nowhere. I went to the Long Island trip the person could not sim- On our final day, we and it was a great experience. ply step out of the hoop. It went back to the parto vis- December 4th, 2017, was took some time, but we final- it a salt marsh and the sea- the first day of the trip. We ly solved it. We each had to shore. In the salt marsh, we stayed at the middle school pass the hula hoop through learned about the\ many dif- and did different activities that each other until it reached ferent organisms live in it and would help build teamwork the end of the circle. Then the that the marsh is very mud- and cooperation with our last person had to step out dy. We also learned that too group members. One of the of the hoop. It was very fun! many people to count have games we played was called After lunch, we got to lost their shoes in the marsh! Guppy Baseball. The game was go inside a giant earth bal- Our naturalist told us a story pretty easy to learn. One team loon! We learned about dif- about a kid who lost his shoe had to throw a rubber gup- ferent things in the world in the marsh, and after pull- py and who ever threw it had and got a chance to look at ing out three different shoes, to run around the group as how the earth looked in the they found the kid’s shoe! many times as possible. Each inside by literally going in- We then went to the sea- lap around the team counted side the big earth balloon! shore. It was freezing! While as one point, so the more laps, The second day, we went we were all bundled up, we the more points. While the to Caumsett State Park. We couldn’t keep warm enough. first team was doing this, the learned about orienteering, We saw many different things other team had to catch the which is using maps and such as horseshoe crabs and guppy and and line up and compasses to find your de- many different organisms. We pass the guppy over and under sired location. We used a also learned that when certain to one another. When the last map of the park and a com- rocks are rubbed together, we person received the guppy, pass to find different loca- can make face paint. We also they had to yell, ”Guppy Base- tions. Along the way, we saw cracked opens some rocks to ball!” This was a signal for the many interesting things such see if we can find any fossils. other team to stop running as horses and reindeer tracks. Finally, we found the fos- and then the teams would al- After lunch, we went into sil of a very old, small twig. ternate roles. At the end, my the forest environment and The Long Island Expe- team won with 45 points while built our own shelters! We rience trip was very exciting he other team had 40 points. used sticks to build the foun- and interesting. It was a great Another activity we dation and covered the whole experience overall and it was did involved teamwork and thing with leaves. We also fun to try something new. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard School News 6 Mr. Cardinale Spotlight by Sidrah Ashrafi What inspires you to teach? professional pool billiard player.” Everyone in the Woodmere “I like kids, and I like to see What got you interested in wood- Middle School knows Mr. Cardina- people figure out things themselves. working? le. He is the only Technology teach- I call it an “Ah-ha Experience.” “It’s a funny story. In elementa- er in the district! He is always chal- ry school, my grades were not good lenging students with questions that Why does chess interest you? and my father had a woodshop in he asks in class. Did you know that “I like chess because you al- his garage. So, my father made a Mr. Cardinale is also very good at ways have to change your strategy to deal with me that if I got honor roll, pool billiards or that he played the adapt to changes. I think it mirrors I could work with him in his shop. drums? I have recently interviewed life. You always have to do some- So, I worked hard to achieve honor Mr. Cardinale and learned some thing based on what other people roll and every weekend my father very interesting things about him. say or do.” would teach me about a new tool and how to build something with it. What are your interests? What are some interesting facts I have built many things such as fur- “I am interested in different as- about you? niture, toys, chess boards, couches pects of technology. I like electronic “I have taught at 7 different and chairs. That’s how it all began.” technology and wood-working. I schools in my career, and so far like to build many different things. WMS is my favorite. The students Do you play an instrument? I also enjoy fine dining and live mu- are very nice and the staff is wonder- “I played the drums when I sic.” ful. Lots of people don’t know this was a teeneager, but I’m not as good but I am very good at pool billiards. as I was before.” If a weren’t a teacher, I would be a Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard School News 7 Wellness Week by Sidrah Ashrafi button pierced and that she went but because that they liked hang- For a week of the school shopping to the mall. The next day, ing out with each other. They real- year, Woodmere Middle School her friends did not believe that she ized that they shouldn’t have been had their annual Wellness Week. had a dentist appointment and did mean to their friend for not putting During this week, we did many not listen to her. Then at the end her cereal in the correct order. different fun activities like the they realized that it was not right Another fun activity we did “Wellness Feud” and had the High to make up lies and spread rumors was a “Wellness Feud” during re- School Theater group come in and about somebody. Another play was cess. It was the same thing as Fam- performed skits and taught us the- about not being mean to someone ily Feud and we did it girls versus ater and acting tactics. because they made a mistake. The boys. There were different catego- One day of the week we had play was about a group of friends ries and we to guess what would the High School Theater Depart- who had cereal for breakfast and go in the category, but if we got ment came in and they entertained they had a certain order to which it wrong more than 3 times, the us with short skits. These plays they put their milk and cereal and other team gets to go.. It was very were educational, while still being spoon in the bowl. One of the fun. When I was playing with my fun. For example, one skit taught us friends came late one day and did friends on the girl team, we got all not to spread rumors. It was about not do it in the correct order. The the correct answers for every cate- a girl who was absent because she friends got mad and made her sit at gory and we beat the boys! had an appointment with the den- a different table. One of the friends Overall , Wellness Week was a tist. Her friends heard different stood up for her and at the end , the great experience for all WMS stu- reasons about why she was absent, friends realized that they weren’t dents. Hopefully next year will be like that she went to get her belly friends because they liked cereal even better than this year! Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard World News 8 Meghan Markle: An American in the Royal Family by Elizabeth Balzac monds from Princess Diana’s Henry Charles Albert Da- personal collection, and one vid, better known as Prince centre stone from Botswana. Harry, is part of the Brit- Markle, originally an Ameri- ish royal family. In the sum- can, will become a British cit- mer of 2016, he began dating izen, and will also be baptised Meghan Markle, an Ameri- and confirmed at the Church can actress and humanitari- of England before the big day. an. Their wedding will be at Although it is not the St. George’s Chapel at Wind- first time a member of the sor Castle on May 19, 2018. British royal family married The Windsor Castle holds an American, it is still an ex- much significance, as Prince citing event that will likely Harry was christened at this result in a wonderful legacy. location. In addition, Meghan’s Their happiness illuminates engagement ring features a clas- through their photos, and a sic yellow gold band, two dia- positive outcome is expected. The Supermoon by Avikar Khakh 3:45 am the next day, the moon is just the first of three to come. A supermoon occurs when had reached perigee, which is According to NASA, two addi- a full moon is tional full su- at a point in its permoons are orbit where it predicted to be is closest to the observed on Earth. During a January 1st and supermoon, the January 31st. moon appears The supermoon 14% larger and on the last day 30% brighter. of January will The recent su- be a blue moon permoon was during a total observed on lunar eclipse. December 3rd, For enthusi- 2017. To have asts who had been able to see the full moon, when it is closest to the Earth. missed the total solar eclipse you simply had to look up to the At this time, the moon was ap- this past summer, the upcom- sky at 10:47 am on December proximately 222,135 miles away. ing supermoons will sure- 3rd. Just 24 hours later at around December’s full supermoon ly be days to look forward to. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard World News 9 The History of Computing Machines by Emma Tsoglin advance. 1700 years later, Blaise Pascal, device came along. The Hollerith Computers have become vital the son of a tax commissioner, invent- Tabulator also was notable in its use to modern society in the past twenty ed the pascaline, otherwise known as of punch cards to not only control years, and it can be difficult for stu- Pascal’s Calculator. The pascaline was a process, but also to store memory. dents to imagine a world where infor- one of the first mechanical calculators, Then, in 1943, the room-sized mation isn’t instantly available at the and had the ability to carry numbers, computers many people imagine when tips of their fingers, or there aren’t any allowing it to perform addition and asked about earlier computers finally word processors to type a school as- subtraction problems, and, by extent, came along. The Electronic Numerical signment in. Computers have become multiplication and division. Approxi- Integrator and Calculator, or ENIAC, ubiquitous in life, and as a result many mately 150 years later, in 1801, Joseph took up 800 square feet and was one people don’t consider what advance- Marie Jacquard pioneered the Me- of the first electronic general purpose ments in the field throughout history chanical Loom, which while does not computers. It took approximately 20 led to the modern desktops, laptops, seem directly related to computers, was years before the computer screen and tablets and smartphones we have today. mouse appeared. Invented by When people are think of Douglas Engelbart, the mouse “the earliest computers”, what comes was a new way to interact and use in mind to many are room-sized ma- a computer. Soon, in the mid to chines with scientists wearing lab coats late seventies, personal computers overseeing its operation, and while hit the market and finally allowed these certainly existed, computing computers to become part of or- and calculating machines have their dinary people’s everyday lives, in- start much earlier, though these tools stead of being restricted to scien- and devices look very different from tists and researchers. On notable our modern idea of a computer. Pos- example of this was Apple’s Lisa sibly the first calculating device was computer, which while not well the abacus, a frame with sliding beads known, was the first personal com- on it used to perform simple arithme- puter to have a graphics interface, tic including addition and subtraction vital to its history because of the loom’s meaning it could display images and with large numbers, along with more use of punch cards, which were cards graphics instead of only text. As com- complex calculations like square roots. that, quite self-explanatorily, had holes puters became increasingly common, Each row of beads stood for a different punched in them. The loom used these their technology began to be used in place, and the beads slid across rods to cards to allow an unskilled worker to tablets and phones. In 2007, Apple’s represent various numbers. The aba- weave complex patterns, and paved Iphone was released, and while it was cus was probably invented in approx- the way for the use of punched cards not the first smartphone, nor the first imately 2700 BCE in Babylon, and as a storage mechanism in early com- touchscreen phone, it brought many spread quickly throughout the world. puters. Soon after this development, previously computer only functions While the abacus was the precursor the device that could truly be called the to a portable form. Finally, the world’s to modern calculator, one device is first modern computer- the Analytical first programmable quantum comput- known as the first computer, though it Engine. Imagined by Charles Babbage er was created in 2016, indicating that appears very different to our modern in 1822, the engine used punch cards, this new technology could be used to understanding of one. This device was had a sort of primitive memory, could completely revolutionize the indus- the Antikythera Mechanism, and was process numbers, and was capable of try, allowing for much faster, smaller, dated to be from around 100 BCE. The printing results, punching cards, and and energy efficient machines far past mechanism boasted a complex system plotting graphs. Unfortunately, due the limit of conventional computers. of gears, that when cranked, could be to insufficient funding, this device With computer technology improv- used to predict eclipses and other as- was never completed. Soon after this, ing everyday, there is certainly many tronomical occurrences decades in in 1889, the first electric computing new innovations in store for the future. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard World News 10 The Trump Tax Plan Why Hong Kong is Not Considered a by Arik Khan hire about 3,000 new workers. As Country On December 22, 2017 Pres- a result, it would seem that the by Elizabeth Balzac ident Trump signed off on the trickle-down method is work- With a population of 7 mil- one of the most controversial tax ing and is going to be a success lion people and an area of 1,063 bills in U.S history. While many for everyone. Though, many see mi², Hong Kong is one of the most like Paul Ryan state that it will the tax plan as Donald Trump’s densely populated areas in the be the breath of fresh air strug- attempt to boost his own power. world. Hong Kong shares limited gling families need, others say it In usual Republican fashion, similarities to mainland China. Not will be a disaster for the middle the plan gives the upper class a only does Hong Kong have a seper- class. So, in an incredibly sim- discount. The idea behind the pol- ate immigration system, but there plified manner, here is the bill: icy is that corporations will take is different currency, government, The plan includes limited advantage of this and be more and languages than mainland Chi- tax deductions for middle class active, meaning more jobs, bo- na. Despite this, Hong Kong is not families with a limit of $10,000, nuses, etc. And so far, judging by considered a country due to multi- but also provides tax cuts for said the previously mentioned statis- ple laws that China has established. middle class. And so, before the tics, the method is working. Still, The dispute over the owner- bill was passed but through Con- many think that President Trump ship of Hong Kong began during gress, corporations realized that is just helping his own business the First Opium War. The Opium they could afford to be more active out with this bill. According to Wars consisted of conflicts over in the economy. Businesses such the Daily Intelligencer, the TPC’s trade between China and Britain. as FedEx and CVS started plan- study indicates that in 2018 53% of During 1839, one of Britain’s first ning to hire many new employees. the tax cuts’ benefits would go to acts of the war was to occupy Hong According to The Daily Signal, the highest-earning one percent. Kong. 2 years later in 1841, Chi- AT&T plans on giving $1,000 bo- Perhaps the plan will be able na ceded this island to the British. nuses to over 200,000 employees to help large corporations be more Hong Kong evolved into one and investing a billion dollars in active in the short term but the of the trading capitals of the world, the economy. For example, Boeing numbers show that in the near fu- and was classified as one of Brit- is set to invest over $300 million, ture, it could just end up filling the ain’s crown colonies. In 1898, Brit- and the aforementioned CVS will pockets of the rich and powerful. ain was granted another 99 years of control over Hong Kong under the Second Convention of Peking. Once this lease expired, years of ne- gotiations resulted in Hong Kong being absorbed back into China. The first chief executive of Hong Kong, Tung Chee-hwa, acquired his position upon the transfer of Hong Kong on July 1st, 1997. He formulat- ed a policy for Hong Kong based off of “one country, two systems. ”This formula allows Hong Kong to have its own laws, and promises that it’s way of life will stay unchanged for 50 years. It is unclear if Hong Kong will ever be a country indepen- dent from China, or will for- ever stay a country-like city. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard World News 11 Bitcoin: a bubble or a pin? by Alex Kesin tury, where a tulip was worth more One more thing that Bitcoin On December 7th, 2017, a Bit- than a house. They assume that this does right is that it’s completely coin trading app called Coinbase bubble will “pop”, and the price of anonymous and requires no trans- reached number one on the app a bitcoin will massively fall, caus- action fees. This is huge, especial- store. The reason for this was be- ing your bitcoin to be worth less, ly in this day and age, where ev- cause a cryptocurrency called Bit- and as a result you losing money. ery company where you exchange coin surged to $18,000 USD a “piece”. However, there are some spe- money (PayPal for instance) takes a Bitcoin is not a stock; it is cial attributes to Bitcoin that make small fee. Those fees can add up to not a company; It is not even pur- it quite a promising innovation of thousands in a couple of years. Bit- chasable. It is a cryptocurrency, a the 21st century. For starters, it’s coin totally prevents this, at least if type of money you can use on the decentralized, which means that you use the right service. Further, internet. Crypto means encrypt- nobody can own all of the bitcoins anonymity is always great in this ed, and currency day in age, with refers to mon- most compa- ey of any sort, nies and insti- such as the dol- tutions spying lar or the euro. on their users, When a user collecting data “buys” bitcoins, mainly without all they are tru- their knowl- ly doing is con- edge. Bitcoin verting Ameri- overrides this, can dollars into because it’s a bitcoin “dollars,” trustless sys- which are just tem. You don’t called bitcoin. need to say There’s noth- your name to ing special to it. someone else The reason across the in- everybody is so hyped about it is in existence. No bank or financial ternet using Bitcoin due to the because is because it’s rising in val- institution can control it, therefore way it’s programmed. The laws of ue. This means the “price” of one making it extremely democratic. mathematics prevent people from bitcoin is becoming more and more. In addition, bitcoin can’t in- cheating you out, without even People are investing in this cur- flate, which means there will even- needing to know who you are. rency in hopes that it will take off. tually will be a limit to how many In general, it’s all specula- Unfortunately, it isn’t all hap- bitcoins can exist. Inflation can tion and educated guessing when piness and sunshine with Bitcoin. be really bad. It happens when a it comes to what will happen next It’s quite volatile, which means that country starts printing more mon- with Bitcoin. However, it is a very its value is constantly changing, or ey than it should be. When you cre- promising looking (even though fluctuating. This is the one weak- ate more money, yet you still have you can’t see it!) technology nev- ness of Bitcoin right now, that has the same resources, the money be- ertheless. If you would like to in- skeptics amok, calling the cryp- gins to become worth LESS! This vest in Bitcoin, invest wisely with tocurrency a “bubble,” a nice way is what happened in ZImbabwe, parental supervision. It is illegal of saying that it’s just a bunch of where at one point you could have for minors to own Bitcoin, but not hype. They claim it to be similar a billion Zimbabwean dollars, yet for their parents to! One last tip, to the “tulip mania” that happened only have in reality one US dollar. never invest what you can’t deal in the Netherlands in the 17th cen- This will never happen in Bitcoin. to lose! Buy what you can lose! Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard World News 12 Entrepreneur Spotlight: Elon Musk by Alex Kesin their life. But not Elon. No, al rocket at the time. This was Have you ever seen a Tesla he was different. He wasn’t the birth of one of Elon’s most car, a SpaceX rocket, or a Hy- making money for the sake of well known companies, SpaceX. perloop on the Internet? These making money, he was here to A common misconception technologies are all the product pledge serving humanity. Musk about Elon’s most famous com- of one man’s genius-- Elon Musk. then founded X.com later that pany, Tesla, is that he founded Elon Musk is an entrepre- same year his first company was it. That is actually incorrect. He neur from South Africa. He is sold off. X.com later merged helped invest in it in its early a big deal in Silicon Valley, the with another company to be- stages, before he had any signifi- biggest tech hub in cant role. It was only the United States, when the 2008 hous- and perhaps even ing crisis took place the world. His that he assumed the journey as an in- position of CEO, novator began in where he first had Palo Alto, where he a rather hard time. was enrolled in a People left and right graduate program were shooting down for physics. There, the idea of having an he asked himself electric car. For in- if he wanted to stance, people were change the world arguing that they’re and guarantee the too expensive. Tesla prosperity of hu- suffered initially be- manity. Lucky for cause of this. Howev- humanity, he did. er, Musk has a unique Elon dropped out of the come the most known Inter- quirk about him that makes Tesla graduate program, something net transaction service, Paypal. so successful-- he listens direct- to the likes of Steve Jobs or Bill Musk later left PayPal (af- ly to his customers. He tweet- Gates did, to found an Internet ter making $100 million after ed in late December about how city guide company (back then it was bought by eBay) to pur- Tesla could improve, and actu- the Internet was very primi- sue his interest of space travel. ally took feedback from people. tive and they were essentially He wanted to see how much it It’s safe to say that Musk is trying to get businesses to get would cost to buy an interconti- a phenom. He is consistently an online presence) with his nental ballistic missile (ICBM). compared to Henry Ford, Steve brother, called Zip2. Eventually, He went to Russia to see how Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, and this company was acquired by much space companies were other immortal science-mind- Compaq Computer in 1999 for willing to sell their rockets for, ed inventors. What makes $307 million, landing Elon $22 and was disappointed by the er- him truly special though is his million at the tender age of 28. roneously high costs. Musk did true love for the betterment of Don’t lie, most people at the math, and cleverly realized humanity. While Steve want- this point would retire and live that the raw materials to make a ed to change the world, Musk in the Bahamas for the rest of rocket cost only 3% of an actu- wanted to change the galaxy. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard World News 13 The Shrinking Population of Japan by Eve Golan ments becomes smaller and smaller, and acknowledged the demographic crisis and Japan has a major demographic cri- people just can’t raise children in such tight has been attempting to come up with a few sis--one so alarming that The Economist living spaces. Plus, adults in Japan dedicate solutions. calls it “the demographic time bomb that a large portion of their time to their jobs, In 2005, an official ministry was made sits beneath the world’s third-largest econ- which prevents, or at least delays them from to focus on increasing fertility. A panel run omy.” This “time bomb” is a rapidly aging being able to settle down and get married by the ministry proposed a few ways to help population that continues to shrink. Having or have children. Furthermore, traditional push citizens to settle down and have chil- an aging and shrinking population increas- gender roles expect women to stay home dren. One of these ways was to give finan- es Japan’s public debt, brings less labor to with their children instead of work, which cial support to unmarried Japanese citizens an economy that desperately needs it, and is a commitment most can’t take on. who went on “spouse hunting” projects. threatens the existence of rural communi- Currently, the population of Japan These attempts won’t be enough, and the ties, so this problem is one that needs to be stands at 127 million. Of that, about one Japanese government knows it. They realize solved urgently. fourth of its citizens are over the age of 65. that the last resort will have to be immigra- For decades, Japan’s population has But because of the demographic crisis, it is tion, something that many people oppose. been decreasing while the country ages estimated that the amount of citizens over Right now, about 2% of Japan’s population faster than any other nation. This is because 65 will increase to one third of the popula- is foreign. This number includes families of an improved life expectancy (Japanese tion by 2050. As the population gets older, from neighboring countries who have citizens are expected to live up to 85, one of it will also shrink, thanks to the nation’s low lived in Japan for centuries in addition to the highest life expectancies in the world) birth and fertility rates. The total fertility those who just came on their own. If Japan and a rapidly declining birth rate. Longer rate is 1.41 children born per each woman doesn’t raise its fertility rate, it would need life expectancy can be attributed to better in the reproductive age, which is below the roughly 650,000 immigrants per year. That nutrition, more advanced medical tech- replacement rate of 2.1. The replacement probably won’t happen, due to how isolated nology, and improved living conditions. rate is the number at which the fertility rate Japan has been from the rest of the world Additionally, the amount of money spent must be at for an increasing population. It for centuries, which has caused its popula- on healthcare has increased over the years must be over 2 because the amount of chil- tion to be largely homogenous. Hopefully, as aging citizens require more time in hos- dren born must exceed the previous gener- changes will be implemented and Japan’s pitals. Japan’s declining birth rate is caused ation (or the parents) so that the population population will soar once again (or at least by factors such as fewer or later marriages, increases. Going from 1.41 to at least 2. It level out). If not, the nation’s population has a struggle between balancing home and will be a difficult change to bring about. In been estimated to shrink down to 49.2 mil- work, the high cost of raising children, and order for this to happen, Japan’s social struc- lion people, which is about a third of its cur- an increasing number of women in the ture will have to undergo some major revi- rent population. There’s no doubt that the workforce. An increasing number of Japa- sions. To start, Japan must make it easier for future of Japan will be very interesting, and nese people have been moving to large cities mothers to work, but that doesn’t seem to the changes made now will have a major for work. As more people move into cities be happening right now. But all is not lost, influence on the country’s future for years like Tokyo, the amount of space for apart- yet, at least--the Japanese government has to come. Trump Declares Jerusalem Israel Capital by Avikar Khakh decision up to the people in Israel. can be beneficial, as it ends 7 decades In December of last year, Pres- But now President Trump has made of confusion on Jerusalem being or ident Trump recognized Jerusalem his own decision and decided that to not being a part of the Israel capital. as the capital of Israel and ordered the U.S. Jerusalem will be the capital The reason for all of this confu- the U.S. Embassy to move there. The and the U.S. embassy will move to Je- sion is the fact that both the people of status of Jerusalem has been disputed rusalem. Israel and Palestinians consider Jeru- for many years, however Israel owns Israel’s positions on Jerusalem salem one of their cities. But, to the the city in entirety and takes the site were never really exact, a 1980 law United States, as of now Jerusalem is as a sacred religious place. In earlier declared Jerusalem to be Israel’s, “un- part of Israel. Israelis and Palestin- years, the U.S. did not interfere with divided capital”. Many believe that ians have still not been able to nego- Jerusalem’s status and they left the moving the embassy to Jerusalem tiate the dispute of Jerusalem. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard After Hours 14 Yearbook Club by Abby Sherman page. There are political positions in some of the divider pages. The Vice Yearbook Club has a huge yearbook that are elected in one of President helps the Secretary. The task: creating a book that contains the first meetings. The President of Secretary writes down what pages a history of the school year’s events. the Yearbook Club is Abby Sherman, everyone is working on. The Trea- There are many roles students take the Vice President of Yearbook Club surer gets to sign some of the checks on in Yearbook Club. From taking is Zoe Ng, the Secretary of Yearbook and makes sure yearbook club is not pictures to layout, students in the club is Carrie, and the Treasurer of spending too much money. club have many opportunities to Yearbook club is Isabella Borhov. Yearbook Club meets in the make an impact on this important The President helps everyone and upstairs computer lab on Thurs- keepsake. Students in all grades are helps make important decisions days from 3:15-4:00. If you are on a welcome. for Yearbook Club and helps stu- sports team, you can still join after The faculty advisors of the dents create layouts. Yearbook Club your season ends, but join before yearbook, Mrs. Habshoosh or members decide on the covers (front yearbook ends in the beginning of Señora Esher, assign each member a and back) of the yearbook as well as May! Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard After Hours 15 Spotlight on Our A Trip to the Past Newspaper Club Advisor: by Spencer Brodwin Mrs. Mauriello Do you remember what your by Ella Cohen-Kashi favorite obsession used to be? That your teachers used to be annoyed at you for I sat down with Mrs. Mauriello to ask her playing with at class? They were once the questions about Newspaper Club. most annoying or sometimes the coolest Q What is it like being the only teacher in things on the market. Now, they’re barely charge of newspaper club? used and often forgotten. the fastest Spinner. Fidget Spinners have A: “Very hectic, however I enjoy working been banned in most schools because of with everyone!” (This is very true espe- Fidget Cubes: Fidget Cubes are its obvious distraction, but it still is fun cially when she brings snacks for us!) small, hand-held, 6 sided cubes that have to play around with on a rainy day. certain mechanics on each side. One side Q What’s the hardest thing about advising has buttons to click, one has a ball you Bottle Flipping: Bottle Flipping the newspaper? A: “There are many. Keeping track of can roll on the is pretty self explanatory. People would everyone story assignments, editing and cube, one is simi- drink most out of their regular plastic lar to a joystick, laying them out is a huge undertaking. water bottle until it was partially full of Luckily, I have some fabulous students another is a liquid. Then, you would flip the bottle on staff and a good deal of help from the switch, and other with your fingers on the cap, to make it high school Spectrum staff as well.” addicting sounds flip 360 degrees and land perfectly with- and features. out falling. There was also an activity Q What’s your favorite part of newspaper These cubes were called “capping”, where you would flip club? meant to focus the bottom of the bottle to make the A: “The day when all the writers see the someone’s attention onto a certain thing, cap of the bottle do a 360 degrees flip finished product and I see the smiles on their accomplished faces. My second such as learning. The cube would keep and land. Friends would compete for their hands occupied so they can focus favorite is when I see students outside of how long you can flip your bottle in a the club reading the paper.” on what really was important. However, row. Make sure you have the cap com- kids saw this as an opportunity to be dis- pletely sealed because you don’t want to Q Why would you encourage people to tracting in the classroom instead of using have that water bottle spill all over your join newspaper? the capabilities for learning. The Fidget homework. A: “I think the club is a great community Cube died down once the Fidget Spinner of students. It provides opportunities to surpassed it. Rainbow Looms: Rainbow Looms write what interests you.” were once the hottest things on the Fidget Spinners: Fidget Spinners market for summer ‘13. What Rainbow Q Do you think kids’ writing skills are improving from newspaper club? have the same purpose that Fidget Cubes Loom is, is a plastic tool to weave rubber A: “100% yes. Students learn about a had. They were meant to be used for and plastic bands together to make cool learning and deadline and writing for the paper is not designs. Rainbow Loom was most com- for a grade. It’s about a personal achieve- not for distract- monly used for bracelets and necklaces. ment and teaches teamwork.” ing students in Some creative artists would use rainbow the classroom. loom to Q Do you enjoy reading the articles ev- The only differ- make cool eryone writes? ence between objects such A: “Absolutely, I love reading the articles the Cube and as phone everyone writes.” the Spinner is cases, Q What do you hope for the future of the the shape and instru- paper? function. The Fidget Spinner is a 3 ments, and sided spinner with a ball bearing in the A: “I’m considering the idea of moving even action to a digital paper so that we could update middle to make the 3 sides spin. The figures. No the issues more frequently. However, I Spinner comes in many different colors one knows why but all of a sudden, Rain- worry that not enough students will go to and many different shapes. It became a bow Looms died after the summer and the site to read the work of our journal- competition between friends who had they haven’t been popular since. ists. Time is the biggest issue and I would the coolest looking Spinner or who had like to solve it.” Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Entertainment 16 Sasiru Ruins Sports Scholarships (Based on Adam Ruins Everything on TruTV) by Sasiru Pathiranage manages competitive athletes such as a relaxing social life. I know that a lot of you of over 1,000 institutions. This 20 hours a week rule was are thinking this: “I don’t care I know that some of you set by the NCAA, and some about grades! All I have to do are still thinking, “Well then, coaches don’t even follow is do good in sports and I’ll I’ll just be that good! I will this! This means less time get a scholarship! Colleges get a scholarship if it’s the last for studying, homework, and will just come running at me thing I do!” Even if you do get much needed social time. with opportunities!” That may one, it won’t pay for much. This can cause stress and sleep be an exaggeration, but many The average sports scholar- deprivation. Also, injuries seem to believe that a sports ship is about $11,000. If you can be a huge setback. If you scholarship is the ticket to go to a four-year college that have a sports scholarship but college. However, not only are is out of state, that’s about become injured, colleges can sports scholarships incredibly $21,000 left for you to spend. revoke your scholarship. It’s hard to get, but the experience Athletes should be looking unfair, isn’t it? may also be a little different for any kinds of financial aid Despite this, financial from your imagination. that extends beyond sports aid can be a great solution to No matter how great of scholarships. Attending a Di- many college students. Be- an athlete you may be, you vision III school may actually lieve it or not, almost anyone cannot use that as an excuse be a better investment than could probably get some form to not to do your homework. Division I, despite them not of financial aid. All you have Only 2% of college students being able to give out as many to do is fill out a form in high actually get a scholarship. scholarships. What they can school called FAFSA, or Free That’s right, it would be easier do, however, is give awards Application for Federal Stu- to go to Harvard than to get a for student accomplishments. dent Aid. Almost anyone can sports scholarship. The odds This can actually cut your tu- apply using this application, of getting a football scholar- ition fees by over 50%, which and grades are not considered ship is even lower. Out of the is an excellent figure for ath- when applying for this type 1,500,000 high school football letes. of financial aid. FAFSA takes players, only 1% get a schol- Even if you manage to into account your parents’ arship. Let’s not get too ahead make the team or get a sports income in addition to other of ourselves here. First, let’s scholarship, the experience factors such as the age of your worry about even making the may be a little different from oldest parent and your family team. A little over 7% of all what you expect. First, the size. The point is that there high school athletes managed commitment will be insane. are so many options for finan- to make it to a varsity team in The average student athlete cial aid besides sports scholar- college. In addition, less than spends 30 hours a week in ships. So next time you con- 2% went on to play at NCAA class in addition to 20 hours sider working out, it might be Division I schools. NCAA is a week for sports. This leaves a better move to hit the books. a non-profit organization that very little time for anything, You’ve got a test tomorrow. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Entertainment 17 Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Entertainment 18

ANTMAN

BLACKPANTHER

GREENLANTERN

SPIDERMAN

AQUAMAN

CAPTAINAMERICA

HULK

SUPERMAN

BATMAN

FLASH

IRONMAN

WONDERWOMAN Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Entertainment 19 Wonder Review by Lilli Seidman school year. Auggie may be the star of caring for Auggie, and spending time Wonder by RJ Palacio is a the novel, but he is not the only import- with Via (Izabela Vidovic). Via feels heart-wrenching novel, and an even ant character. Viewers look into other constantly deprived of attention from more amazing movie. The story tells her parents, especially her mom, since of Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay), “August is the Sun. [Via] and Mom a boy with a facial disfiguration who and Dad are planets orbiting the Sun. attends school for the first time. View- The rest of our family and friends are ers follow Auggie along his journey asteroids and comets floating around through fifth grade. At school, Auggie the planets orbiting the Sun” (Palacio). meets a fellow classmate, Jack Will Although issues exist within Auggie’s (Noah Jupe), who becomes his best family, they all love each other uncon- friend. However, on Halloween, Auggie ditionally. This makes them special. overhears Jack say that he only be- The outstanding novel and movie friended Auggie because his mom told production are very similar. View- him to. Auggie ignores Jack and meets ers’ love for Wonder is shown as this a new friend named Summer (Millie movie did very well at the box office. Davis). Jack Will eventually realizes that aspects of Auggie’s life as they learn IndieWire News has called Wonder the Auggie overheard his conversation, and more about his parents, and his sister, “$150 Million Hit of the Christmas Box apologizes. Auggie, Jack Will, and Sum- Via. Auggie’s dad (Owen Wilson) uses Office.” This beautiful movie is still in mer become the best of friends, and humor to cheer him up and Auggie’s theaters and is definitely a must-see! Go Auggie gets through to the end of the mom (Julia Roberts) juggles between catch it today! Popular Subjects by Lilli Seidman At Woodmere Middle School, a poll went around to the lunch-recess period for seventh grade, for students to choose their favorite subject from math, ELA science, or social studies. We created a chart to show the results. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Entertainment 20 Best of Netflix: Movies Are You by Ella Cohen-Kashi the Majority? by Ben Sonant It’s always great to know what makes oneself unique and special, however, it is some- times contemplated whether or not others do all the things you do. Whether someone plays video games or has ever been on TV, they may just wonder if they’re the only one, or one of many. Below are statistics of Woodmere Middle School students answering certain questions. *30 WMS students questioned Do you play videogames? 1. White Chicks 6. Dolphin Tail 71% said yes Two undercover agents are tasked A young dolphin loses his tail and Do you play an instrument? with babysitting two rich socialites in ends up making a new best friend while 63% said yes order to find their kidnapper -- and end trying to learn to swim again. This movie up having to dress up as them. 1 hour and is great with some ice cream and tissues Do you have a fear of heights? 54 minutes long. because it is very sad. 1 hour and 52 minutes 38% said yes long. Have you ever been on TV? 2. The Christmas Prince 45% said yes A young journalist has to go abroad 7. High School Musical Have you ever been outside to interview a prince that is about to be- This is a classic; if you haven’t watched come king but ends up wanting to be the you are missing out! The first movie in the America? new queen. 1 hour 32 minutes long. triology focuses on the relationship between 95% said yes hardworking student Gabriella and star ath- Are you or have you ever been on a 3. Mean Girls lete Troy who defy their friends expectations sports team? A must-watch classic about new and take part in the school play. 1 hour 37 81% said yes girl Cady Heron who ends up befriending minutes long. the popular group. While the head of the Do you own a mobile phone? group, Regina George, believes that Cady 8. Coraline 95% said yes is dying to be their friend, Cady is actu- If you are easily scared, beware of this Do you own a computer? ally trying to destroy Regina’s social life movie! This is about a girl named Coraline 87% said yes by getting rid of her two minions, causing who is sick of her dull life. She moves to a Do you have a pet? her to gain weight and stealing her boy- new house and finds a secret door to a new friend. 1 hour 36 minutes long. dimension where she has more “fun” parents 57% said yes that let her do anything, but they end up Are you in an after school activity/ 4. Expelled being evil. 1 hour 40 minutes long. club? A prankster gets expelled from 68% said yes school but will stop at nothing to make 9. The Nightmare Before Christmas Have you ever been to a sports game? sure his parents don’t find out so he is not This is another Christmas movie based sent to a terrifying boarding school. He off a poem by Tim Burton. Jack Skellington 77% said yes will do anything to get back in school. 1 lives in Halloween Town but becomes bored Have you ever done volunteer or hour and 25 minutes long. of Halloween. One day, he learns about community service work? Christmas and decides to kidnap Santa Claus 82% said yes 5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas so that instead of nice gifts, he can send evil Were you born in America? A hilarious Christmas movie about ones. 1 hour 16 minutes long. a grouch known as the Grinch in the 95% said yes land of Whoville. This is about a green 10. Beauty and The Beast Have you ever moved? fictional character who has waged a war Based on the original movie made 77% said yes against Christmas, but when Cindy Lou in 1991, this live action movie stars Emma Have you ever been to a concert? Who and her family show an act of kind- Watson as Belle, who is held captive by the 77% said yes ness it melts his cold heart. 1 hour and 44 Beast. In a whirlwind of a story, clocks and minutes long. teacups come to life, and Belle is forced to Have you ever seen a live play? confront her feelings for the Beast. 2 hours 91% said yes and 9 minutes long. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Entertainment 21 Color Me! Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Entertainment 22 Original Story by Christine Hogue Ember, the strange girl from back home. The hollow in the roots of a speed as if the very ground was as- somewhere near the woods, with the an elm tree was one of the humblest sisting her to run. It wasn’t. That was flame-red hair that flickered around homes imaginable, but in the past two the grass. She darted up a tree, new her face and freckles like flakes of ash years she’d been hiding there, it had branches growing as she climbed with on her pale face, and her bright slanted served her well. a fearlessness that was matched by her green eyes that almost seemed to glow, She rounded a bend in the woods, fear. I will be in a mountain of trou- walked down the dirt path. The wind coming in the back of the small town. ble with the town. I may have to find blew her hair almost carelessly, not Her flame red hair attracted strange a new place to go. She relaxed when seeming to mind how much of it was looks, and her deep green eyes scanned she reached the top of the branches, blown into Ember’s face. Ember didn’t for the baker’s stand. Ever since first though. The wind surrounded her, care either, absorbed as she was in her trying bread two years ago, she had blowing her hair back, but unlike the surroundings. been hooked on it. Warm, crisp on wind on ground level, this was richer, She held herself with pride. She the outside, and soft on the inside. Her filled with all the oxygen from all the walked as if the blades of grass bowed mouth watered at just the thought. leaves. to her, and not to the wind’s power. When she was done buying her She spotted the boy, curled up She smirked as if the whispering of the provisions for the year, she heard a beside a large rock, shivering with ev- tree’s branches was a secret only meant shout. “Thief!” a man shouted, the ery breath, fear surrounding him. She for her. She lived as if she was proud of pack slung on her shoulder hanging dropped to the ground outside of his her life, which she was. She was hum- open. A young boy sprinted away, torn line of sight, walking up to him. The ble too, though, humble and shy, and clothes and dirty brown hair torn at by boy jumped up with surprise, and didn’t think herself the type to do too the wind as if it was trying to stop him. he drew back. “So, what did you steal much to change anything. Ember spent no more than two seconds from the man?” she said, her voice soft, It was her first time near the vil- gazing at the scene before she pointed warm, and musical. lage in a while, and she made sure her to the woods the boy was fleeing to. “I didn’t mean to,” he replied, hair was fluffed up enough to conceal The forest closed behind him like an and she could tell he was lying because her ears before continuing down the impenetrable wall, stopping the boy’s things aren’t stolen by accident. “I took path, checking her reflection in pud- pursuers. Thorns, Ember thought, and these.” A shaky hand covered in grime dles along the path. Smoke from chim- the foliage was suddenly bursting with revealed a few small coins. neys began to show over the tops of sharp needles, stopping the men pur- “Why did you steal those?” Em- old trees, and she smiled in a nervous suing the thief in their tracks while the ber asked, her green eyes searching in way. Get in, get out, she reminded boy continued running. the young boy’s pale brown ones to tell herself. Provisions and food, and then Ember took off after the boy with if he was lying. The boy looked as if ... Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Entertainment 23 Original Story by Christine Hogue Continued...... he was about to lie for a moment, you! I didn’t mean to!” she thought. “Sure,” she said before and then he looked up, and she saw I’ve ruined everything. Now her brain had caught up with her his eyes fill with a trust that only that the humans know of my exis- mouth. The boy’s face lit up, and he children of his age could give away tence, they will search for more of ran forwards, touching the pointy so freely. His hand stopped shaking, my kind. First I hurt everyone close end of her ears with one careful fin- and he dropped his defensive stance. to me, and then I manage to hurt ev- ger. Her first instinct was to make a “I was hungry. I haven’t eaten eryone else in the same breath! break for it, but she held herself in for maybe a day, and I felt maybe “It’s just I’ve never seen… what- place, reminding herself repeated- this would be enough to pay for ever you are. I think those ears are ly that he was just a child, and he something to eat. My family’s farm awesome!” the boy said in a softer couldn’t hurt her. “I’m an elf,” she barely provided enough for the tax, voice. Ember reached up and felt her said once again, not meaning to talk and we’ve run out of what we had pointed ears between two fingers, but doing so anyways. left over.” looking back at him with a blank “I can’t believe you’re real!” That was probably the drought expression before resuming backing he murmured. After a moment he this summer, Ember thought, re- away. “You’re still scared,” he noted stepped back. “Sorry for bothering membering how good the bright as if it wasn’t obvious. “Why are you you. I swear I won’t tell anyone.” He sun had felt on her skin, but the heat scared of me? What could I possibly stepped back, and made to run back might have hurt the weaker plants. do?” to town. Ember felt something pull- Hurting others like myself, even if it “You could alert the whole ing at her heart, a sadness for the is not meant. Being exiled from her world to my existence,” Ember said. poor child who didn’t even know if people for her own abilities, leaving “You could capture me and have he would see the next day’s sunrise. behind everyone she loved because people pay to see me. You could She blinked away tears and reached of her one fatal mistake, all she had start up a hunt to find everyone. The in her sack for all of the bread she done was hurt others, and she swore list goes on.” had purchased, the only thing she that she would never again use her The boy’s eyes had widened would eat for the next year. She dangerous abilities for anything. slightly with each accusation. “I just could easily live off the amount she Plant magic was enough. She looked want to touch your ears to see if they had stored, but if she gave it to the at him, and the five loaves of bread in are real,” he murmured. Ember tilt- boy she herself would starve. She her oversized bag felt twice as heavy. ed her head at him, confused. didn’t even believe the words com- A particularly powerful gust of wind “What?” she asked. ing out of her own mouth as she threw her hair over her head as she “I’ve never seen anything in held the bag and its contents out to thought. She noticed the boy’s face my life besides my farm. I just wan- him. melt into wonder. “What’s wrong?” na have one final miracle, because I “Here. You need it more that I “You aren’t human, are you?” know in a few days I will starve to do,” she said, and felt better watch- he asked, and Ember felt to make death anyways,” he said, resigning ing his face melt into one of joy. sure her hair was covering her ears to the fact with sadness in his voice “Thank you,” he said, smiling almost unconsciously. It wasn’t. Her and tears in his eyes. “I would just widely. “I have nothing except these, breathing sped up without her no- like one miracle.” but here.” In his hand he held some tice, and she backed away. As she Ember blinked. Her people kind of seeds, and Ember managed turned to run back to where she tended to have very long lives, and to take the small gift with a straight came, already planning how to find she wouldn’t think of death for at face. The child meant well. a new town to visit, she heard a small least the next seven centuries. She Ember didn’t starve, as the yell from behind her. “Wait!” the had just always thought the humans wheat seeds grew and provided her child yelped. “I’m sorry if I scared were as resilient. Such short lives, with bread for the rest of her life. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Opinions 24 Why Accelerated Social Studies and ELA Classes Would Benefit Students by Elizabeth Balzac but rather a small category within it. students who excel in verbal subjects, Woodmere, NY - It was anoth- However, teachers and students be- allowing them to be surrounded by er day in an uneventful social studies lieve that advanced classes of ELA and their peers with equivalent interest. classroom. After hearing countless social studies would be more similar to Opposingly, the department lectures on American history, bright the general curriculum. For instance, chairperson of social studies disagrees. students such as Emma, are uninter- Marion Hausmann, a student of John Wimmer claims, “We have con- ested. Grades for her are high with Woodmere Middle School states, “ELA sidered it, but decided against it. One minimal effort; numerous tests have and social studies are taught in smaller option would be to take the 11th grade been taken, and she has consistent- units with the overall umbrella topic. regents, but we decided against it not ly received a perfect score. Emma Hence, it should still be social studies to harm the students. Another op- is satisfied with her grades, yet de- tion would be the Pre-AP class. Re- sires more from the curriculum. gardless, it would take many years to Concerned students of Wood- get it approved.” Although Mr. Wim- mere Middle School aspire to go to mer has a valid standpoint, for right high ranking colleges to acquire a suit- brain students there is no challenge able occupation. Students have differ- within the classroom. Approximately ent classes that appeal to them, and il- half of the grade would benefit from luminate their strengths. However, the these options. Rather than being con- accelerated classes available in eighth cerned about harming the students, grade are limited to Algebra and Earth implementing these classes has the Science, and the debate has arisen potential to become an enjoyable chal- over if it would be beneficial for ad- lenge. If they are able to work hard for vanced ELA and social studies class- their desired results in the classes that es to be established in middle school. they are passionate about, it would The school curriculum is di- give them immense satisfaction. vided into two categories: STEM and Other school districts already the liberal arts. The STEM category have these options in place. For ex- consists of science and math, while ample, Meera Srinivasan, a student the liberal arts is divided into social attending Herricks Middle School, studies, English, and a foreign lan- has advanced social studies and ELA guage. Algebra and Earth science are and ELA, just honors.” Likewise, Mrs. classes available. She stated, “The ELA the only high school courses available Shiflet, an eighth grade ELA teacher at and social studies options allow me in eighth grade, leaving the liberal Woodmere Middle School, has similar to have a challenge in what interests arts area completely unattended. Al- ideas. She states, “I believe an acceler- me.” Students like Meera attending though some students excel in both ated ELA class could look similar to the Hewlett- Woodmere school dis- fields, the majority are either better the general curriculum, but would be trict would be at an advantage from at verbal subjects or mathematical taught more in-depth and at a quicker similar classes being implemented. subjects. This is due to the STEM and pace that fit the learners. For example, Therefore, children would be at an ad- liberal arts classes requiring oppo- when we have a poetry unit, students vantage if these classes were created. site sides of the brain. Furthermore, could fully investigate how poetry has The limited options for accel- there is a lack of options for those who changed over time instead of the broad erated classes are appalling. Students excel in English and social studies. sweep we do now. I could also see the who advance in the liberal arts have There are many possible ways ac- benefit of taking small field trips with no opportunities for challenges in the celerated ELA and social studies class- accelerated classes--for example, a trip classroom. Honors classes could easily es could be available. Nevertheless, to MOMA and have students write be established. Contacting the Hew- they would differ from the STEM hon- poetry inspired by the artwork they lett-Woodmere board of education ors classes. Earth Science and Algebra see.” Although these options do not would allow this detrimental issue are individual topics inside of the larg- directly correspond with Algebra and to be fixed. By having these options er concepts of science and math. For Earth science, they are still possibili- unavailable, the board of education instance, Algebra is not all of math, ties. These challenges would push the is putting the “bored” in education. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Opinions 25 We All Have Equal Rights, But Is Equal Not Enough? by Leah Hazan sion, anxiety, thoughts of pity be- were afraid of people judging them. The LGBTQ+ community is cause of their sexuality.” She also Our society perceives differ- a movement that has been strug- mentioned how she is not a part of ent as unusual when we should be gling to make its mark because of the LGBTQ+ community, but would teaching the kids at a younger age, some closed minds. This is an on- love to join as a supporter and show especially at middle school when going issue for many kids in the people that we are all human and to children are trying to figure them- Hewlett-Woodmere district, and improve conditions for these kids. selves out, how little of a differ- we need to open up our Mrs. Orlando, the WMS social ence your sexuality makes. minds by starting a club These kids are only afraid like the GSA to push because we teach them to us closer together as a be, there isn’t enough ed- whole. It is important ucation about differences for us teach the new and acceptance and that’s generation at an early what we should be teaching age what it really means them instead. Mrs. Mau- to accept everyone. riello stated, “We should The LGBTQ+ be educating the middle kids typically come out school on accepting each around high school age, other, that’s more import- for they feel nervous ant than any curiculum a in middle school as it school could teach. My son is the time where teens has a GSA club in his mid- are aspiring to mature. Many kids worker, elaborated on her thoughts dle school and they really support aren’t accepting because they are all as well about a club. She said that all these kids that feel alone.” She trying to find themselves and they throughout her working years, she said if that school could support fail to realize that someone with has encountered many children their kids , WMS could as well. even something as small as a dif- that are LGBTQ+ and most of them The LGBTQ+ community is ferent sexuality is still normal. Stu- weren’t the happiest; some had even a movement that needs help, and dents will disinclude or shun them tried to harm themselves. They were by starting one in middle school, because they don’t want understand all facing severe depression like we can work our way out into the that the LGBTQ+ children are go- many other kids, and we just don’t world and change it for the bet- ing through teenage identity crisis. always try to understand. She is a ter. At the end of the day we are all One WMS 8th grade female big advocate for anti-bullying and human, whether we like it or not. student, Elizabeth Balzac, men- unity. Wherever she sees it, she tries The LGBTQ+ people are still tioned how she believes this school to stop it. She is in support of having part of our society, and they hav- should have a club for LGBTQ+ more assemblies to explain to us how en’t been able to make their mark and straight students to unite where we need to be there for each other. as a person because the rest of us we can all feel as one community. A 7th grade teacher, Mrs. Mau- are all closed minded. This is an While interviewing her she stat- riello, brought up the fact that maybe ongoing issue for kids in hewl- ed, “I know multiple people in the kids are afraid to come out because ett-woodmere, and beyond. We LGBTQ+ community, of which one of how others will treat them, and need to provide the LGBTQ+ com- has been battling mental disorders she explained how she encountered munity with a support system, and such as depression. A child in the many former kids over the years show them we trust and believe in 8th grade is going through depres- who she knew were GBTQ+ but them because they are just like us. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Opinions 26 Tech in Classrooms: A Tab That Should Be Opened? by Alex Kesin word. A new type of software has been As seen from multiple accounts, WOODMERE, NY - Imagine invented to “learns the learner”, according most who were interviewed have great ar- this: In a couple of years, some students to Forbes.. This is groundbreaking be- dor in the idea of technology like chrome- somewhere in America will enter their cause it “...enables nu- classroom. The whole syllabus for the anced, personalized and day is on the smartboard. The students relevant data collection open their tablet, and begin to work on and reporting that do-nows assigned in their online “class- gives teachers insight room.” All of their lessons, notes, and into how the learner is homework is one click away. Instead solving problems and of the faint scribbling of pen and paper, thinking.” SImply put, the ensemble of clicking keys, scrolling this technology engages touchpads, and tapping screens can be the learner by teaching heard. This will be the new norm. them with their own As the digital world becomes ever learning style. more central to our society as a whole, it This adaptive is absolutely essential for schools nation- learning software is wide to adopt new methods of education only allowed through, through new, student friendly, efficient not surprisingly, the technology. internet. Having “[The Internet] provides easier technology such as this would be a game books and tablets in the classroom. Apps, accessible resources,” Woodmere Middle changer for education, because it would games, and software are all products that School student Arib Khan says. “Kids automate the guessing game of teachers will revolutionize education, and most trying to finding a student’s academic people would agree. The fact that Wood- ability. It would all be done with the use mere Middle School has chromebooks is of a computer. great. But it’s time for them to take the The best part about technology is next step. Students and teachers alike in that it keeps on getting more accessible WMS are waiting for the moment we get and cheaper. In the early 80’s, a laptop more technology, such as chromebooks or shot for around $1,500. Now, you can tablets introduced into the everyday class- buy a Chromebook on Amazon for $150. room and reap the countless benefits of “With the surplus of chromebooks, having them. In the future, we will have both students and teachers would bene- more technology in the classroom; it’s just fit,” student council president Elizabeth a matter of when. Zemlyansky says. “I feel that students like What we can do in the meantime connect to technology more than ever working on computers more than with of then and now is bring more awareness, before, so they can use it better than pen p ap e r.” to this topic, fundraise, and bring this or pencil.” While eighth grade earth science subject to light in board meetings. It’s Arib is completely right. Ac- teacher Mr. Rosenkrantz agrees with needless to say that the future of educa- cording to one source, up to 90% of kids Elizabeth, he furthers her claim by saying, tion will be absolutely fantasTECH! have access internet, yet a meager 4% of “[Chromebooks] allow certain lessons, schools have at least one computer per like astronomy, come to student. It’s incredible how many schools life. And they make it eas- lack of computers, tablets, and devices ier for students to com- to compensate for the huge demand for prehend harder topics.” these technologies by a generation of He also expressed students raised by the internet. his fervor for an app, Having been asked the question Star Chart, that students if he would like more technology in the used with their cell- classroom, eighth grade student Ben phones during one unit. Sonant responded, When asked if the use of “I believe technology would help cellphones in class was teachers instantly give us assignments. It beneficial, he said, “[Cell- would also help engage students in their phones] had practical use work.” to alot of technology stu- “Engaging” is definitely the right dents had in their lives.” Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Opinions 27 Coffee Kids by Ben Sonant drinking coffee in Woodmere Middle School. can agree that rules and regulations should be Woodmere, NY - Shaking, bobbing his Many students in Woodmere Middle set in place to prevent students from drink- head back and School drink coffee. In fact, out of the students ing coffee. It’s unnecessary and dangerous forth, an anony- asked, approximately 52 percent of the students for kids to drink it. Even large companies like mous student in said they drink coffee in and out of school. Starbucks should be regulating their under- Woodmere Mid- One student states his strong opin- aged consumers of who they sell caffeine to. dle School is in ions against coffee. He exclaimed, “Coffee Some children drink coffee just because class struggling is an actual drug, and yes, there are symp- it seems cool and they enjoy the taste. However to stay awake. toms of withdrawal. That means we’re creat- there are alternatives to coffee, as an anonymous He nearly falls ing a craving for a drug in young students, student, a sophomore in Hewlett High School asleep as he goes which is unhealthy,” Alex Kesin, a Woodmere states, “Tea is an excellent alternative to coffee to grab his metal Middle School 8th grade student protests. because it tastes good and can still be a good sub- bottle of coffee. Coffee really is a drug. Although some stitute. Also, any other beverages would be fine He chugs it. He say it’s less healthy, like an anonymous 8th if you just want to drink something”. Basically, if starts to shake, grade Woodmere Middle School student a person does not need the caffeine, it’s healthier fidget, and feel sick, even though he claims it who denied my claim. They opposed, “Cof- to just drink any other beverage besides coffee. just helped him. The student then feels like fee really isn’t that bad, and there should be Despite there already being rules in the he needs more, he goes to drink the rest, but no rules against it,” this is clearly false. Coffee school to prevent coffee, not many students or as he frantically flailed it towards his mouth, has the same effects as other drugs; it makes faculty care for it. Leighton thinks, “... just, no his hand shook to much and it spilled all kids addicted to the bitter, sugary drink. coffee. If you come to school with coffee, you over his binder and ruined countless supplies. Coffee has gotten to the point where it is should know you’ll be asked to throw it out,” Naive pupils in Woodmere Middle almost controlling the lives of some Woodmere because students still bring coffee to school. School are destroying their growing bod- Middle School students. One 6th grade teacher There are many solutions to this issue of ies as they gulp down massive amounts in Woodmere Middle School, Brenna Leighton, students drinking coffee. Students should un- of bitter coffee in and out of school. has noticed this in the past. Leighton explains, “I derstand the rules; it should be more enforced As children sabotage their growing have heard a starbucks is opening nearby which by teachers and staff, large companies like bodies, they’re also ruining countless school kids would go to. Also the spillage factor, just Starbucks should regulate who they sell caf- supplies, and getting in trouble. Although like other drinks. … Also, like, do kids really feine to, parents and friends should help their it is a rule in the Woodmere Middle School need that? It’s just unnecessary. And I wouldn’t coffee drinking child/friend by encouraging that was set by teachers in which students know if their parents would know about it or them not to drink it, and child coffee-drinkers may not drink beverages besides water in- allow it.” This makes it clear how some students should try to find alternatives for a tasty drink. side of school. Unfortunately, most teachers can’t control themselves with coffee that they It should be known that coffee is treacherous don’t care and don’t enforce that rule which may even go against their guardians preferences. to growing children. This is important to re- has led to a countless number of students Although many do enjoy coffee, most member before it all comes to a bitter end. How to Disprove a Flat Earther by Arib Khan but you should be imagining the boats’ that it is right above of. That would also mean Amazingly, there are still people in hulls disappear first and then the rest from that the sun is much smaller than it actually is. 2018 who believe the Earth is flat. Many bottom to top. This is one of the many Don’t even get me started on nuclear fusion. are still joining The Flat Earth Society ev- things famous Greek astronomers used ery day. Many influential celebrities have to prove Earth’s spherical shape. This sim- The Earth’s formation joined and are serious about their belief. ply wouldn’t be possible on a flat Earth as A spherical Earth makes sense in that Flat Earthers believe the Earth is being ac- the boat would seem to fade away front it explains Earth’s formation and in fact, celerated upwards by black matter at a rate first and not disappear from bottom to top. the formation of all the planets in our so- of 9.8 meters per second and that gravity lar system. Debris building up from one isn’t real. They are stubborn. And they can’t Day and Night Cycles central core that has gravity push down be easily disproved due to their many ex- The Flat Earth Society explains day and on it equally. It is why you don’t fly when planations. So in the extremely unfortunate and night cycles like this: the sun moves in you jump in different places of the world. case in which you encounter a flat earther, circles around the North Pole. If the sun is So why do people believe in a flat try these explanations to disprove them. overhead, that means it is day, when it isn’t, Earth? The Flat Earth Conspiracy is all it is night. They explain this further by stating about this idea of using what’s obvious to Boats disappear hull first when sailing that the sun’s light has a limited area and is you to come to conclusions. But that nev- away confined to that area. So the sun, the biggest er works. Because the world is extremely Imagine your at a harbor watching star in our solar system, the one who’s surface complex and thus is difficult to understand. boats sail away into the distance. You may temperature reaches that of an atomic bomb, That is why we study science, to solve the be imagining them fade away into mist can’t shine it’s light on the entirety of a disk mysteries that we never even knew existed. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Sports 28 Bills Fans Rejoice After Clinching Playoffs by David Zuckerman help the Bills. The Bengals got the wiped away. A couple plays late, After spending the playoff ball with just more than 2 minute it was 4th and 12 from almost the season on the couch thinking to go and down by three. As they 49 yard line. Andy Dalton threw a about what could have been for 18 drove down the field, Bengals pass to wide receiver Tyler Boyd. years, the Buffalo Bills and their quarterback Andy Dalton threw He proceeded to catch and run fans were elated to finally be going the ball into the end zone for a to the playoffs. Coming into week 49 yard touchdown to crush the 17 the Bills had to win and The Ravens fans dreams of getting into Baltimore Ravens had to lose for the playoffs. Longtime linebacker Buffalo to clinch the playoffs. The for the Ravens Terrell Suggs called Bills did their part in winning but the loss the most devastating in his they needed help from the Cin- career. Bills fans were so thankful cinnati Bengals, as they needed to for Dalton that they donated mon- defeat the Ravens to allow the BIlls ey to his charity to give thanks for to be in the playoffs. The Ben- an interception. As the Ravens cel- beating the Ravens and helping gals-Ravens game was a nail-biter. ebrate gleefully the officials threw the Bills clinch the playoffs, ending All of Buffalo was hopeful Cin- a flag and the interception and the the longest active drought in pro cinnati would come through and clicher to get into the playoffs was sports. NFL Players Critical On The “Catch Rule” by David Zuckerman was originally called a catch and was came down to the final drive for the Many NFL players have crit- marked at the one yard line. How- Steelers, down by three points with icized “The Catch Rule.” In many ever, after review, it was ruled an just two minutes to go in the game. games a review of a catch to try to incomplete pass because Dez did not It appeared as if the Steelers determine if it was or wasn’t a catch complete the catch. had won the game when Ben Ro- can make or break a game. This has As the announcement was ethlisberger threw the go-ahead caused NFL players to speak out made, Dez became enraged. One of touchdown to the tight-end Jesse on what their definition of a catch the most controversial plays in the James. However, James reached is. One of the most infamous catch NFL was largely criticized by many for the end zone, the ball popped calls was in the 2014 Playoff game in as it allowed Green Bay to take over loose for a split second as it hit the which the Packers won on a con- and run out the clock to win the ground while in James hands. The troversial call. It was fourth down game. Steelers argued he had taken enough with the Cowboys down by 6 late in Recently, this play was resusci- steps for the catch to stand, but the the fourth quarter. This was the play tated in week 15 of the 2017 season. officials thought otherwise and said that was going to make or break the Specifically, the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was incomplete. season for the Cowboys. On the play and the New England Patriots, arch Two plays later Roethlisberg- Tony Romo, the quarterback, threw rivals, were battling it out play-by- er threw an interception and the a high deep pass to star receiver Dez play. It was said to be the game of Patriots ran out the clock and won. Bryant. Bryant made a miraculous the year as the Pittsburgh Steelers After the game, Steelers coach, Mike catch, but as he was coming down, and the New England Patriots as the Tomlin said that the NFL has to re- he reached for the end zone, and as winner could determine home-field visit the catch rule. It is clear that the he reached for the goal line, the ball advantage if a playoff game were to NFL must revisit the catch rule, and hit the ground and took a bounce take place. The game was a nail-bit- make it more clear to everyone what up as Dez re-controlled it. The play er with the lead changing often. It a catch is and what is not. Volume II, Issue I The Boulevard Sports 29 UCLA Basketball Still Playing Without The “Ball” by David Zuckerman Draft. It looks like now the prospect of because after the release of Lamelo’s sig- UCLA (University of California, the youngest brother, Lamelo Ball, who nature shoe on the family brand called Los Angeles) has had a prestigious bas- has been committed to UCLA since Big Baller Brand, the NCAA can deem ketball program including 11 national 2015 and is ranked 7th for the class a player ineligible if they have been paid titles. But the school has been in the of 2019 ( according to the 2019 ESPN money for their athletic ability. When news for the wrong reason these last 60 that ranks the top 60 high school players are paid for their athletic ability, few weeks because of shoplifting allega- graduate basketball players going into they lose their amatuer status once they tions against 3 of their players in China receive pay. while preparing for their first game If President Donald Trump didn’t against Georgia Tech. get Liangelo out of China, he might still One of the players was Liangelo be there. In China, one could face up to Ball, who is the middle son of Lavar Ball 10 years in prison. In an interview with and younger brother of Lakers point the Today Show, Lavar and Liangelo guard Lonzo Ball. Liangelo and two of talked about Liangelo’s shoplifting in- his teammates were caught shoplifting cident, and how he was not very happy at a Louis Vuitton store in China and with President Trump. But skeptics were being held there until the issue believe Lavar Ball took the interview as was resolved. Liangelo was bailed out an opportunity to advertise his brand. It by his dad and allowed to return to the college) may renege on his commitment was reported that he sent Trump three United States, but was suspended indef- though. The plan was for Lamelo to at- pairs of his son Lonzo’s signature shoes, initely by UCLA. tend UCLA for one year and then head ZO2. On December 4th, 2017, Lavar for the NBA Draft. Now the chances of Lavar said “I sent him three pairs, Ball made the decision to take his son, Lamelo Ball even stepping foot on the red white and blue to show him we Liangelo, out of UCLA to train him at UCLA campus and for that matter, a patriotic.” home before the NBA Draft in June. college court seems unlikely. It has been Since Both Lamelo and Liangelo Unlike his younger brother, Lamelo, speculated that UCLA might turn the have dropped out of school, Lavar an- Liangelo isn’t the same prospect. He younger Ball down due to the drama nounced that the brothers will be going was expected to come off the bench for created by his family. Also, he might not to Lithuania to play professionally in UCLA and go undrafted at the NBA even be able to play college basketball preparation for the NBA Draft. Outdoor Hockey by David Zuckerman get in their way. The Rangers took crowd of over 41,000 fans went For a decade, hockey fans an early 2-0 lead less than halfway crazy, and the Rangers were victo- have enjoyed the NHL Winter into the first period, but the Sabers rious. This improved their record Classic during New Year’s Day. The came back with two goals to tie the to 2-0 in the Winter Classic and game is played at a venue out- game. The game had to be decid- 4-0 in outdoor games. The Sabers doors, such as a baseball stadium ed in overtime. The overtime was went to 0-2 in the Winter Classic, or a football stadium. This year, to back and forth and very exciting, also losing the inaugural game in celebrate the ten year anniversary and it came down to a penalty by 2008 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in of the annual game, it was hosted the Sabers. This gave the Rangers a a shootout. The game is usually the in New York where the New York man advantage and a minute into highlight of the year for fans and Rangers played the Buffalo Sabers the power play defenseman. Kevin the participating players, and it at Citi Field in Queens, NY. The Shattenkirk took a shot, but the will also be played next year at the temperatures at the game were goalie made the save. The rebound football stadium of Notre Dame. frigid; at one point the tempera- went right on the stick of forward The Chicago Blackhawks will play ture even fell below zero, but the J.T. MIller where he scored and against the Boston Bruins in the hockey players did not let the cold won the game for the Rangers. The game.