ROGUE

MONDAY 4TH MAY 2020 EDITORIAL ACCEPTANCE It seems impossible for them, but for seven Hello and welcome to the our Around the World with EDITORS: particular kids at Oyster Bay High school, latest edition of the Rogue! Covid19 series of Interviews. Ella Westland Long Island, New York, their dreams come Before I give you a taste Speaking of which, if you’re Zoya Lulu Kirmani true with the help of a legendary guidance of what you have to look thinking about applying to counselor, Gwyeth Smith or “Smitty”. The forward to in this week’s colleges in the US, Shiraz CONTRIBUTORS: story of kids who find the perfect college issue, I’d like to start by Kirmani’s book review might Shiraz Kirmani for them and develop life skills that open saying Ramadan Mubarak just be your holy grail for Iris Nuredini doors that reveal who they truly are and to fellow Muslims fasting this both Ivy and liberal arts Mr Keable-Elliott what they want to be. month! I particularly wanted applications. Finally, Iris has Grace Scott to acknowledge this as now written a fascinating piece on Vlada Medvedeva Rather than focusing on improving their we’re stuck in quarantine - Kanye’s face masks which, test scores or grades, by discovering who there’s no escape from food. I hope, will not become a COVER ART: they are, they’re able to choose the right last resort for the NHS… Louis Kennedy college. The book is littered with valuable So, to all my buddies out and, of course a primer on advice useful for all teachers, students and there who’re fasting, you’re Ramadan in Lockdown from LAYOUT: parents alike, making it a recommendation doing a great job avoiding yours truly. Enjoy! Ella Westland for all those who are looking for colleges the kitchen! Stay strong. Just or helping someone look for colleges. a couple more weeks (or so) Thank you all again for to go! ‘tuning in’, Personally, I found the story of each student applying to college endearing and And now, a smorgasbord of Just keep swimming. entertaining. The book reads like fiction, gourmet sustenance for the ROGUE making it a whole lot more than just college soul. On the menu this week, statistics. The book is written in the form of a we have stories to inspire NEEDSYOU! narrative but feels more like a fairy tale with and entertain you; current a happy ending. Although, the book isn’t affairs features for you to We’re looking for contributors, whether that’s weekly or all fairy tales as each student faces many reflect upon; an opportunity just a one off, no journalistic obstacles along with their achievements. to compare transatlantic experience is required we’re The real success is how they overcome the notes on isolation and a few open to all! Rogue is not seemingly impossible challenges they face. other delights. just looking for articles and Thus, an exceedingly beneficial insight to artwork, we’re also looking life pre-college life. Grace Scott’s piece tells the for any content you feel others story of magnificent Captain might enjoy. Have you heard These kids who are given the help of Tom Moore and the work or seen something funny on “Smitty”, who has a refreshing take on he’s done to bring the nation Microsoft Teams, got a picture the methods of college search madness, of a pet working from home, BY SHIRAZ KIRMANI together in these Corona can truly gain from the college application Conditions. Mr Keeble- heard some good gossip, learnt a new skill you’d like to process when they focus not only on scores Elliot gives us some food for share, want to set a quiz, got and data, but also on the bigger questions thought on the politics of a good (clean) joke or just got of who they are, what they want, and how Covid-19 and whether or not a question that needs to be to make it happen. I highly recommend this international governments answered? We want to hear book to all, as realistically, most students have risen to the challenge from you! won’t have a magical guidance counselor of facing the stormy weather by their side. I found that, like many others, or fallen under pandemic I was able to relate to some students and pressure. There’s further Please email: gain useful information from other’s stories. insight into how US citizens [email protected] are coping with lockdown in [email protected]

BY ZOYA LULU KIRMANI WAS KANYE WEST AHEAD OF HIS TIME? Kanye West is known for his open-minded mentioned were for a different section of the stunts and puzzling themes which make you show which was set with a mountain in the think. His 2013 – 2014 YEEZUS tour was no back and dancers also in much simpler masks. exception, especially since this album was his I suppose Kanye was ahead of his time. most experimental one yet with conflicting lyrics and powerful beats. This tour was Today masks have changed from being an different from the rest due to the appearance art piece or cultural statement to an everyday of Maison Martin Margiela masks for each necessity. Face masks are now being adopted section of the show. Maison Margiela is a to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and PPE French luxury fashion ‘house’ founded in is more important than ever. To not increase 1988 and high end for a reason. the already limited supply of masks, people and designers have experimented to stylise They teamed up with Kanye regardless of his the common outline. Whether that with outspoken nature, determined to work with doodles and stickers or even making reusable him. The 4 masks were impeccably designed sustainable ones from scratch. Considering covering Kanye’s entire head with busy our inability to communicate visually through fabric and organised mirrored gems. Some smiling and with our need for kindness more wondered how he performed or whether he than ever, it has been a self-expressive creative could breathe but most were intrigued as to process to help get through this trying time. why? Why cover one of the most famous faces Homemade masks may not be as effective, but on earth especially when that face is arguably a mask is better than none at all. New balance egotistical or eccentric. There are two reasons has joined in too with the slogan ‘made shoes for this. The lesser one was in the name of yesterday. Making masks today’ testing and Art. Kanye is applauded for his creative flair manufacturing masks in their US factory. and different views (that chiefly come up in Of course scammers have taken advantage his bipolar scenes) whether that’s his lyrics, of the virus by providing fake products that clothes, his home or even his album art. fall apart after a few uses so it is incredibly However, the main reason was revealed after important that we double check what we are a girl in the crowd of his San Antonio, Texas buying and not to fall for such scams; the BBC show took it upon herself to tell Kanye to take and police have made sure to update us and off his bejewelled Margiela mask. Mr. West warn us. was not pleased and explained that he was covering his face because he didn’t want high end brands trying to make him seem a certain way and put him in a box, “they tell me ‘save face Kanye!’ but forget that whatever it’s supposed to mean, it’s about my dreams… it’s about creating, not about the idea of being a , not about the idea of being a black man tryna do fashion, not just about the name Kanye.” These masks symbolised his freedom and his will to do what others didn’t want him to do. He continues to say that the fans and that girl who asked him to take off his mask could see his face anytime they wanted and that he was giving so much more than you can see on TV, “I’m actually putting myself at risk every time I say anything on TV.” The 4 masks BY IRIS NUREDINI In Chinese, the word crisis is composed of two more transparency, accountability and good characters - one represents danger, and the governance. All of which helps develop trust. other represents opportunity. How have the Another suggestion is that women are better political leaders performed during the current listeners. Evidence of this comes from those POLITICAL crisis? How many have succumbed to danger countries which followed WHO advice from and how many have risen to the opportunity? the start, going hard and going early, as Jacinda Ardern put it. LEADERS IN We have heard a lot about Donald Trump and his ridiculous speculation about drinking However, most leaders, male or female, have disinfectant as a cure for Covid – 19. (Don’t!). had a good crisis. Many leaders have put One would expect his popularity rate to themselves front and centre of efforts to tackle THE TIME OF plummet but in reality, he is just as popular the crisis and this increased media profile has (with his supporters) and just as unpopular improved their popularity rating. Emmanuel (with his distractors) as he has ever been. What Macron’s popularity has increased 14 points, COVID-19 some forget is that American Presidents lack Narendra Modi in India is even more popular the power of many Prime Ministers especially with now 68% approval ranking and even over internal policy. The federal system in the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s America means that most decisions over Covid popularity is up to 71%. It is those leaders -19 will be made by State Governors and State who have been seen as inactive, like Japanese congress, so the President can carry on without Prime Minister Shinzō Abe who have suffered having to accept the blame for short term loss of popularity. decisions. Ultimately Trump will be judged in November at the Presidential election. Most Of course, in the UK our Prime Minister has believe elections in America stand on the state been in the news first as a patient in intensive of the economy. If the up-coming recession is care and more recently as a new dad. What as bad as some expect then Biden could be the we have learnt from his enforced absences next President. If not, we will probably have is that the UK system does not function another 4 years of Trump. well without a leader. Surprisingly for a democracy our system of decision making is There has also been discussion about the very undemocratic and, with no votes taken success of female leaders such as New in SAGE or COBRA or the cabinet, the PM is Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and needed to make the final decisions. Perhaps German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Only luck has been on Johnson’s side as the most 7% of world leaders are women and yet difficult decisions are still to come. Currently many have led successful campaigns against he and his party are holding up in the opinion Covid – 19. Four of the top ten countries - polls with just over 50% approval. It will be in terms of deaths compared to those tested interesting to see how he is perceived over the positive – have been led by women. Is there next few months. a reason for this? There is evidence that when there are more women in government there is

BY MR KEABLE-ELLIOTT THE NATION’S HERO BY GRACE SCOTT Captain Tom Moore, the name that everyone Captain Tom’s fundraising page is still going is talking about. The former officer click here www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ who fought in the Second World War, rose tomswalkforthenhs to donate. to fame as he pledged to walk 100 laps of his garden for the NHS, raising money in the Captain Tom’s inspirational message has process. Aged 99 he pledged to do this before touched the hearts of the nation saying, “To he turns 100 on the 30th April. Aided by his all those people who are finding it difficult at walking frame and proudly wearing his service the moment the sun will shine on you again, medals on his breast pocket he completed his and the clouds will go away.” 100th lap with a special by the 1st battalion of the Regiment Captain Tom, you are truly an inspiration to and soldiers of the looking all. Thank you, Captain Tom, we wish you an on. His goal was to raise £1000 for the NHS incredibly Happy 100th Birthday on the 30th but has reached an incredible £28 million! April and we salute you. Not only has he raised an incredible amount of money, but he has also released a video singing to ’s rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone, reaching Number 1 in the Uk Chart, becoming the oldest person to do so, Sir Tom Jones previously holding this record. No hard feelings though, and Sir Tom Jones joined Captain Tom on a BBC News Video Call on the 25th April congratulating him.

As if this was not inspirational enough, Captain Tom has had many experiences in the 100 years he has been alive. Being posted to serve in India in October 1941, it took his Battalion six weeks by sea to arrive and being in the Burma campaign during the Second World War. He has had his battle with cancer, the death of his wife Pamela and recovered from a broken hip that left him needing a hip replacement which left him walking with a frame.

Boris Johnson and Matt Handcock are just a few of the politicians who have recognised Captain Tom’s huge achievement, with calling for Captain Tom to receive Knighthood.

From Monday 27th April, all mail is being stamped with a special postmark to celebrate the 100th Birthday of Captain Tom Moore. The postmark reads ‘Happy 100th Birthday Captain Thomas Moore NHS fundraising hero 30th April 2020. INTERINTER VIEWSVIEWS TEXAS As a cross country and track runner, in terms terms, Trump can’t actually force states to do I’m not sure what the government has done, of staying healthy, nothing much has changed what he wants. So I don’t have an opinion because I just hear bits and pieces of how “ as I take precautions to ensure I don’t get as I’m not informed enough about everything Corona is affecting things rather than the sick. My routine has changed as now I don’t going on. In the state of Texas, I think we’ve actions taken to prevent it. But the policy of have to get up at 5am for practice nor feel dealt with it pretty good compared to other staying at home and has tedious every day. I’ve been able to find time states such as New York’s state government, helped the community to stay safe. to truly work on myself, both mentally and they were slow to respond to this outbreak. I psychically, at my own pace. The only aspect agree with Trump changing certain businesses’ The best thing about quarantine is personal of my life changed is the interaction outside production to produce essential and needed time and more freedom with your time. Instead of my home. School and friends now moved materials to combat this pandemic. The only of having a routine, you can choose what virtually to my own room. I’m putting more thing I disagree with is that we’re opening up to do and when (kind of). Like now I don’t effort to maintain my relationships now. The the economy way too fast when the pandemic have to wake up at 5am to go run and I’ve increasing amount of cancellations due to the is not over. For example, Georgia has begun been able to do my art. In addition, I have coronavirus has made me have to reorganize opening shops again and Florida opened up been playing the saxophone and piano more. to live my life virtually. The pandemic has it’s beaches. In addition, there is a shortage of However I truly do miss running with the team pretty much affected everything in my life testing which needs improvement. Like I said, as workouts are hard to do by yourself. I miss and I know it will never be the same. The I’m not informed enough to condemn other’s all my friends and not being able to go out and pandemic has not affected my family as much efforts to help. participate in activities together. as others around the world. However, many of our parents are working from home now I was quite annoyed at first when many friends Simone Henry and routine tasks such as grocery shopping and our generation (teens) took this outbreak “ are now taken with much caution. Just like as a joke. Americans love that one week of me, everyone else in my family is doing their spring break to travel and socialize. Their own thing during the day; zoom calls and ignorance to this while enjoying their time at work. However it has sparked paranoia and seaside Florida, only enhanced the outbreak distress for my parents, as the pandemic only for all of us. After a few weeks of a perception worsens, affecting politics, society and the of Covid-19 as irrelevant and a non-threatening economy. I feel like I can’t discern between with continued parties and social events, it fantasy and reality. I’m just in shock about how switched to paranoia and distress. While most many beautiful, meaningful lives have turned are following social distancing others don’t. into a growing death toll on the news. All of I’m dealing with this pretty well, following the my thoughts and feelings about the situation aspect of quarantine. In addition, washing are formed from others, their opinions all hands, keeping clean, running by myself and over the media. The situation at hand for me disinfecting outside objects. is not the proximity of the actual virus but a sense of empathy for others. Others including A lot of people have moved onto social the medical staff, infected, and susceptible media to help with boredom and use it as a (weakened immune system) people. I feel I distraction. Instagram, SnapChat and TikTok need to use this time to develop myself and are extremely popular right now. However, I expect the worst. I feel like I’m ineffective with personally feel like we can do so much more helping as all I’m supposed to do is stay at than just that. We need to use this break home and watch it get worse. from our hectic lives to the best of our ability. Focusing on both our mental and psychical In the US, the state government technically has health. We can use this time to make the more power over the federal government. The best of ourselves without society’s pressure US is a mess right now with each state doing or routine. Finally, spending time with family something different, either ignoring or following which we are often too busy to do. the US government recommendations. In basic MICHIGAN OHIO The corona has affected me in many ways. The best thing about being quarantined is The coronavirus has affected the way I live The way I deal with the outbreak is that I’ve The biggest thing though is that I can’t go and definitely getting more sleep and also being my life. We have to wear masks in public. stopped going out to visit people. I stay home hang out with my friends like I used to, and able to have enough time to watch all the shows We can’t be close to friends or distant family and wear masks and gloves when I go to the “ I’m now unable to go to school. The pandemic on Netflix that I was planning to do. However, “ and when we shop. There is a requirement to store to get groceries, and constantly wash hasn’t really affected my family in a huge the worst part is that I’m really lonely and that I have only one person per cart as well as staff my hands. There is an organization called way but we do know some people with other can’t see any of my friends every day, I feel that putting up a glass window at the checkouts to ‘Red Cross’ that go door to door to give out family members who are stressed about the talking to them online is completely different prevent any further possible spread. to the poor like food, diapers, Easter baskets virus and it’s overwhelming to think about. and doesn’t bring these positive feelings like I etc as a way to help out our community and So my family is hoping that we don’t create had when I saw them outside. My family seems more irritable due to staying spread hope. the same stressed environment in our house. inside, especially the children in our family. I don’t really care about getting the virus but Liliya Rhein I think it’s hard for them with no interaction To be honest, I would rather have my I am worried that my dad or my mom could “ in the outside world such as schooling. My government act quickly with healthcare to get it. thoughts are, I’m glad my state has taken find a different alternative instead of denying action because during the time we have been their citizens of help. Also, I would like my I think my government handled this situation on lockdown the earth is having time to heal government to help people and figure out in the best way possible. We haven’t itself. We are stopping people from spreading what to do with the unemployed and make experienced anything like this before and I the virus and as medical sure they offer the right amount of assistance know that it’s very hard to make decisions for professionals are trying to find some type of our people. a whole state. I feel like Michigan didn’t really cure or vaccine. have a choice about what else they could do. I think the best thing about quarantine is that They are trying to keep as many people from I think my government is right by keeping there is a lot of room for some family time, getting the virus and preventing the increase us at home but I also feel like they care less though the worst part is that it gets very boring in the death rate, so a massive thanks goes about poor people, the ones who cannot to constantly stay indoors and being unable out to our healthcare staff. afford health care like wealthy people do. to go out like I used to. The government gives less to them, to avoid a I think that different citizens dealt with the negative economic impact. Madison Jobe outbreak differently because at first, only “ old people were majorly affected and so In my opinion, our government has done teenagers and younger generations didn’t something wrong in regards to the health care really take it seriously enough, but it’s system. They deny testing to certain people changing because of the great increase in the because they cannot afford healthcare, so instead affected number of people. My family and I they send them home to just isolate themselves in are staying inside most of the time we only case they have the virus. Perhaps, this shows that go out to get groceries, and we always go to our government focuses more on the economy of the small pharmacies to get any medication. the state, rather its own population. We obviously use hand sanitizer or wash our hands after anything that holds risk of I think that our government could offer at this spreading the virus. time some free healthcare to those in need and more assistance to people who cannot Some people are protesting about how the afford groceries and other essentials for their government is making us stay inside but I think families. For the most part there are some it’s the best way to deal with everything that people who have reacted very seriously to is going on. In my opinion, our government this outbreak and stayed at home, only going should try their hardest to think of everyone out in the state of emergency, but there are instead only focusing on a particular group also groups who don’t seem to care much of people. about this situation, because they are simply not taking this seriously. SOUTH CAROLINA The virus affected me most by shutting down viral after going against the governors adjust to. The pros however, are that I have my town, work, and much more. It cancelled orders. They decided to gather in a large more time to do the actual school work now “ my vacation to Panama City, and I haven’t group and party on the lake. As a result that I don’t have work to attend to. I have been able to return to work for over a of their actions, the governor banned all also had more free time to catch up on month now. I haven’t seen much family, or lake and boat access. Citizens do need to housework, chores, etc. With my immediate my friends for a while now. The pandemic take things more seriously, and stop going family (parents and siblings) I have also had has affected my family greatly due to us out and spreading the virus. The measures more time with them as we all have stayed all being separated from one another and I’ve taken for the outbreak is staying at together in the house. unable to live how we typically would. Not home, and minimizing most contact with being able to work and the stress of potential everyone. I was exposed to the virus at my Brittney Taylor unemployment. With the US leading in virus work over a month ago from an infant who “ numbers, I feel the situation is growing tested positive. After being exposed I felt rapidly and I hate how it’s all turned out. At fine but later fell sick. During that period first it didn’t seem nearly as serious and it I was sent to be tested for the virus, and was only growing in large cities with large thankfully it was negative and I had a case populations. However, once there were of walking pneumonia. After that scare, I cases popping up in my small town I knew it knew how serious it could be and decided was becoming a serious issue. I hate seeing it’s best to try and not go out in public the growing numbers in death, and I really unless it is necessary. just want society to return to how it was and everything to be back to normal. Seeing With the current pandemic my town has everyone in masks seems very foreign. struggled greatly. After being hit with an F3 tornado a few days ago we came together I mostly do agree with how the government as a community, BUT still followed the virus has handled the pandemic. Certain guidelines. The governor flew out to my town measures (such as stay-at-home orders) and made it clear that although we needed were ordered a bit later than it should to come together and help, we still needed have been, especially for South Carolina. to be cautious and careful of the virus. All The current order in place is not very strict volunteers had to be checked temperature and there are still cases rising every single wise and cleared to help. My community day. South Carolina’s governor has stayed has made great efforts to be cautious while on top of things for the most part, but has dealing with the tragedy of a tornado. not entirely handled it as well as other states. Our president has taken overall I would have preferred the government good measures for benefiting the citizens to act faster on the growing cases of the affected, and giving stimulus checks to those viruses. The sooner we would have acted, the struggling without jobs. I do believe that the better. They’re doing a good job currently, government can continue to improve as we but numbers are still rising and we still need learn more on the virus, and how it spreads. to make an effort to get it under control. Places such as New York for example are rapidly declining and struggling with the There have been many pros and cons to virus. I hope that can be focused on and a quarantine. The cons: not seeing family, fix is found soon. friends, etc, not being able to go and do activities as normal, not being able to go When it comes to citizens and how they to parks, lakes, or enjoy time with others in are reacting to the virus, I have seen where general. Another disadvantage to it would many are not taking it seriously. In my be my university shutting down and putting state for example, a group of teens went everything online. It’s made things hard to BY VLADA MEDVEDEVA RAMZAN 2020 EDITION For those of you who don’t know, during the I mean, is it just me or do you not realise 30 days of Ramzan (pronounced Ramadan how much you actually eat? In the evening, in Arabic), Muslims fast from roughly I’ll be working on yet another 20million sunrise to sunset. Generally, we wake up hour sketch for my art coursework and find at ridiculous-o’clock-in-the-morning, around myself picking up a croissant to keep me 3am, to have breakfast; bleary eyed and going. Of course, that doesn’t work. I’m unsure of what planet we’re on (don’t even hungry again at 11pm, eat cereal till 3am, get me started on the lack of patience – I forgetting about my sketchbook entirely. It’s wouldn’t recommend talking to me so early, worse when my dad comes downstairs at a last time my brother asked me to “pass the random hour to get a glass of water. Is it a salt” it didn’t end well. I take ‘Hangry’ to dad thing? Or just, you know, my dad who the next level). We go back to sleep, wake thinks it’s a sin to eat cereal at any time up at a reasonable hour and continue with other than breakfast? We all know a bowl a regular day of work, school and play. of Coco Pops hits different at 2am. Why my dad acts like he’s just caught me robbing We then break our fast at around 8:30 a bank when he finds me cuddling a bowl in the evening. Before I hear you ask… of Honey Nut Cheerios at midnight, I will yes, we can brush our teeth, yes you are never know. allowed to eat or drink in front of us, no we don’t eat from 8pm-3am (as much as Anyway, my point is, I eat when I get bored, I’d like to) and no we cannot drink water! which is a problem since ‘quarantine culture’ There is the common misconception that “of is essentially eating your way through course you can drink water during the fast, boredom. Tell me once you’ve finished that otherwise you’d die!” – I swear that’s a English essay you don’t feel like a cookie. direct quote. However, we fast daily; not for Go ahead. Lie to me. And you might be 30 days straight – yet another unfortunate saying, dude, you might want to eat a little misconception, so we never go too long healthier, cut an apple, eat an orange, god without eating or drinking. forbid you even look at something green before you start looking like a Coco Puff. For me, last year was thankfully pretty easy! But you forget, as I just did, I can’t eat, I was distracted by my commute, by school, period. Forget the cookie, I just want that by staying focused on being frightened for stupid celery. I stare at it in the hopes that my life when walking through West Croydon by diffusion and osmosis I’ll be able to eat late in the evening. This year, we’re trapped. it without actually eating it. Of course, it’s a hopeless effort but a girl can dream… You know when you walk into the kitchen, open the fridge, realise there’s nothing to In all seriousness though, we mustn’t forget eat, close it, just to reopen it 2 seconds why we fast. We fast to remind us of our later in the hopes that something has blessings, to develop our inner strength, to magically appeared? Yep, imagine doing be able to control our desires. So keep in that, but instead of seeing nothing, you see mind those who are ‘fasting’ for days on vegetables that look surprisingly good, that end due to poverty or conflict, be grateful, leftover pasta you’ve been meaning to eat be generous, be kind. Don’t let that cookie before your vacuum-of-a-brother consumes tempt you. You’re doing a great job my it, the red grapes, strawberries and whipped guys. Let your faith carry you to Eid. cream calling your name! Only to have to close it and wait 9 hours before you can do anything about it. Dreams, crushed. BY ZOYA LULU KIRMANI