Hillside’s ~Contents~ Sightseeing P.1 Best Friends P.2 GLOBAL GAZETTE Café Talk P.3 Faculty Profile February-March, 2015 P.4 Valentine’s Day P.5 Chinese New Year P.6
Ping Pong Rankings P.7 Cultural Dinner P.8 Student Profiles
P.9-12 Int’l Book Review P.13 Conservation Science P.14
Foods from Abroad
P.15 World Mysteries P.16 1. Int’l Trivia Teasers P.18 ~ Global Club ~President Eric Lu & Vice President The Traveling Translator Agustin Rodriguez P.19
This club was created to foster a continued strong connection between our international students and American students and faculty. We are intent on sharing our international cultures with the Hillside population as well as learning about other cultures.
Sightseeing
1. Kiev, Ukraine
1. Kiev is the largest city and capital fancy new highways. of Ukraine. It has 2.7 million There is so much to see that at inhabitants and is located in the times it is confusing for visitors to north central part of the country. figure out a starting point. The Having survived the Mongol confusion is added to as some of one of the most visited sites in the Empire invasions, World War II, Kiev’s best landmarks are not even city. Soviet occupation, and core located in some traditional meltdown at nearby Chernobyl, guidebooks. Some of these amazing Some other pretty cool things to Kiev stands proud amidst the places include St. Cyrill’s do in Kiev include taking a stroll turmoil of the past. The city is th Monastery, a stunning 12 century in one of the city’s dozens of filled with theaters, museums, off-the beaten-path church that is beautiful green parks, cycling in religious sites, modern buildings, filled with Mikhail Vrubel (1856- the Golosiyivsky Forest, visiting and ancient ruins. It’s a city of 1910) paintings. You can also the Museum of Miniatures, or contrasts; filled with babushka explore the Museum of One Street hanging out at Sculpture’s Alley. ladies, modern cars, idyllic parks, and buy local handicrafts at The city is literally teeming with old city side streets, square Andriyivsky Descent. The museum all sorts of diverse activities and is mar kets, farmers bazaars, and is enchanting and rich in Ukrainian a vacationer’s paradise. Perhaps history. Saint Sophia Cathedral is a someday, young Dima Piskin can UNESCO World Heritage site. It show you around. Currently, there dates back to the glorious times of is political turmoil in this proud Kiev and remains an outstanding country. But when things get architectural achievement that is better, you simply must visit.
Cool Facts about Kiev
90 percent of all crimes are solved in Ukraine
Rahov, Ukraine is the geographical center of Europe
The world’s first constitution was written here in 1710 1. Kiev, Ukraine
Page.1 Global Gazette Hillside School 1.
International Animal Stories
Best Friends for1. Life
1.
Best Friends: Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My! n unusual trio consisting of a bear, lion, and tiger has formed at an A 1. animal sanctuary in Georgia. The animals, typically rivals in nature, have created an unbreakable friendship that is simply unbelievable to see. They adore one another, nuzzle each other affectionately, and feel quite upset if 1. they are apart. It is one of the most amazing things you will ever see. They even have a Facebook page that states they “can’t get enough of each other.” The friendship began fourteen years ago in 2001 when “Baloo” the
bear, “Leo” the lion, and “Shere Khan” the tiger were found by animal protection services in the basement of a drug dealer’s house in Atlanta. The1.
tiny animals were in awful condition. They had obviously been neglected and abused. In this sad state, they had shared a special connection based on their desire to survive and love for each other. It was in these early stages
of life that the animals formed a bond that can only be described as
“family.” They were immediately brought to Noah’s Ark, a non-profit animal sanctuary for abused animals in Locust Grove. Initially, they were
separated but the animals became agitated. When they were reunited in the1. same enclosure they hugged, nuzzled, and stayed close. Animal experts
explain that this close bond between three very different predators might not be possible if they weren’t from different geographical regions. Baloo is native to North America, Leo to Africa, and Shere Khan to Asia. Even if they were all from the same continent, one has to wonder if these three would let anybody or anything separate them? When Baloo had surgery, and was missing from the enclosure for a few days, Leo and Shere Khan seemed depressed. These three do everything together. They eat together, they sleep together, and according to representatives at Noah’s Ark, they
even hunt cardboard giraffes together. Even for non-animal enthusiasts, it
is eye catching to watch these three very different species groom each other. They will rub their heads together and lick each other just as a mother would. Experts say that their terrifying early months together have allowed these different species to perform behaviors that most animal scientists would deem “unnatural.” And so goes another animal story that To watch the video
challenges our beliefs and knowledge about the remarkable creatures that http://www.wimp.com/livetogether/ inhabit our planet. Page.2 Global Gazette Hillside School Café Talk 1. February-March’s
International Café
Celebrating Mexico with Tacos El Pastor
The USA Mrs. Brown made some delicious buffalo chicken dip with ranch dressing. It was spicy and tasty. The boys took tortillas and dipped them into the sauce.
China Eric Lu stole the show for our
International Café celebrating the Chinese
Lunar New Year. He treated the Chinese boys Mexican Cafe to some spectacular authentic Chinese food
ordered the night before from Sichuan restaurant in Framingham.
Mexico We celebrated Mexico with some tacos el pastor compliments of Juan Medrano. The boys were jammed into the Café to enjoy Buffalo chicken dip this tasty treat and to talk to their amigos. Chinese New Year 1.
Page.3 Global Gazette Hillside School Faculty Profile
1. Miss Mitton
Jen Mitton is Hillside’s Farm the Farm has grown since 2012. pretty well, as our Farm
and Garden Director. She’s been at Immersion program receives rave No stranger to the world of Hillside for the past three years and farming, Miss Mitton was born in reviews each year. has done a terrific job of taking care Shirley, Massachusetts and raised of our Farm, developing programs on the family farm. It was here that Miss Mitton is a woman of many that aim at educating our students she learned the value of hard work interests and talents. She likes about where their food comes from and responsibility as well as a cooking, baking, jewelry making, and how much effort it takes to strong sense of family. Her parents, arts and crafts, hiking, kayaking, produce a healthy meal, and using and reading. In her words, “I like John and Cindy Mitton, raised four the Farm as a tool to reach out to children: Kerri, Dan, Jen, and Tim. to stay busy.” Speaking of busy, the community by sharing our The family is tight and they all still she has a bucket list of things she valuable resources. Miss Mitton has live relatively close by in different still wants to accomplish before re-energized our Farm program by locations around Massachusetts. leaving this planet. She dreams of reinstating Farm Immersion classes Miss Mitton has used her life someday scuba diving at the Great for the kids, initiating a community experience to help her in the Barrier Reef in Australia, visiting outreach program, assisting in an the tortoises on the Galapagos education world. She characterizes Aquaponics project with Mr. her teaching approach as Islands, and swimming with giant Bryant, installing a kitchen in the “experiential learning.” She says manta rays in Hawaii. Jen Mitton barn, diversifying our animal that she teaches “by having the is a woman with determination and population, reviving the students do, see, and feel what I am ambition. She makes our Farm and greenhouse, and creating a nature community better with her talking about.” It must work center. She’s been a busy lady and excellent work .
Cool Facts about Miss Mitton
Swam with sharks while teaching Marine Biology Had a pet tarantula for five years
Wants to hike in the Amazon Rain Forest
Swimming with sharks
Page.4 Global Gazette Hillside School
1.
FiguringChristmas Out Around the Faculty the World
Valentine’s Day
Around the World Valentine’s Day is typically In the Philippines many th celebrated on February 14 in many men and women marry on countries around the world. Although Valentine’s Day traditions vary, the emphasis is always 1. In Japan honmei choco is given on romantic love. The tradition has its by a woman to a man to signify roots in Christianity and began as a “true love” liturgical celebration of Saint
Valentinus.
In Germany many Valentine’s gifts will feature pigs
1.
1. 1. 1. In Denmark the men In South Korea on White anonymously write 1. Day boys give candy to
women poetry girls
1.
1. Cool Facts about Valentine’s Day
• In Victorian days, it was considered bad luck to sign a
Valentine’s Day card
• 1 billion V-Day cards are exchanged each year
• 36 million heart-shaped boxes sold each year Saint Valentinus
Page.5Page.5 1. Global Gazette Hillside School
1.
Around Hillside
Chinese New Year 1.
Hillside 1. n Thursday February 19th, Hillside O honored our Chinese population and
celebrated the Lunar New Year. We had an
International Café with copious amounts of authentic Chinese food provided by none other than Eric Lu. The emphasis here is on “authentic.” Eric ordered food from Sichuan restaurant in Framingham, which is renowned for its delicious cuisine from the heart of Sichuan Province. The boys snacked on beef, chicken, pork, seafood, and vegetables. At lunch, Hamsen Shen and Ray Wei put
together a presentation on the New Year in China. The presentation was done in an entertaining style that offered both a general summary of some of the important traditions during the New Year, as well as an insider’s account, as Hamsen showed photos of several
New Year’s he has celebrated with his
family. We learned that the Chinese have
lucky numbers (2&7) and colors (brown), and
that this is the year of the Goat. Families
clean their houses, give children red
envelopes filled with money, watch firework displays, and have an important family meal.
1.
Page.7 Global Gazette Hillside School Ping Pong Rankings
Feb-Mar Ping Pong Rankings 1.
1. 1. 1.
Top 5 at Hillside 1.
“Hillside’s Best”
1. Amir Thomas (Ber)
2. Cam Ray(USA)
3. Matt Guerra (USA)
4. Kofi Asante (USA) 1. 1. 1. 5. Lucas Adam (Fra) 1.
Top 5 1. Top 5 Females Rising Stars
1. Mrs. Greener 1. Tyler Anastasi(USA) 2. Miss Lucey 2. Ryusei Morishima(Jap) 3. Miss Lord 3. Colby Becker (USA) 4. Dahmir Fowlkes (USA) 4. Miss Pagnam
5. Steve Stento(USA) 5. Mrs. Gwyn
Page.8 Global Gazette Hillside School
Homestays
G lobal Club goes to the Korean
Resta urant
1. O n February 21st, the Global1. Club 1.gathered in the ATL, loaded into one of the buses and headed to the all- 1. popular Westborough Korean
Restaurant. We had students of several nationalities represented: China, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, the USA, and others. The boys loved the food as we were treated to a huge assortment of tasty Korean cuisine that included: barbequed beef, spicy stew, Korean pizza, kimchee, short ribs, noodles, and so
much more. The food was pre- ordered and sitting on our table when we arrived. Needless to say, when we left, there was little left. After the main dishes were gobbled up, the boys thanked their Korean
hosts and got back onto the bus to
head for the mall. We’re not sure where we’re going next. If you have a suggestion please contact Mr. Brown, [email protected]
Korean Restaurant
Page.9 Global Gazette Hillside School
Spotlight…Student Profiles
Yonghui “Jack” Shi
His Chinese name is Yonghui Shi boys to battle head to head across and he hails from the countryside in multiple battlefields and game Hainan, China. Hainan is the modes with other players in cyber
smallest and most southern Chinese space. He thrives in this
province. It literally translates to environment. That much is obvious. “South of the Sea,” and Jack’s Some of us old timers might home territory consists of over 200 comment that computer games islands scattered somewhere in the signal the death of the social fabric South China Sea. The province is as we know it. Gone are the days renowned for its tropical climate when we talked face to face with and it is here that our little Jackie each other and played outside with boy, I mean Yonghui, was raised. our pals until the street lights came Yonghui comes from a family of on. But these are new times. And three. His father, Shengyong, is a young people, like Jack Shi, bond Jack Shi businessman. His mother, Cheng, is in different ways now. They in his words “a housewife.” They “ ackie boy,” is the affectionate J are a family that cares a lot about nickname I call this young Sixth their son’s education. And, Grade student. He is a recent Yonghui won’t disappoint them. addition to the Hillside campus Although he struggles with the and has been popular with his language now, his mind is like a peers and faculty since day one. sponge. It won’t be long before he Whenever he hears that nickname, 1. can speak English fluently. He’s “Jackie Boy,” he breaks out in The great Yao Ming only been here for a few months, laughter. He’s quick to laugh and virtually live in a Cyber world, and but he is already producing good can make even the lamest of us they’re darn good at it. homework and making ESL teachers feel like we’re contributions to class discussions. Besides being online and gaming, comedians. It doesn’t matter what Of course, at this stage, his listening Jack Shi has earthly interests too. you say. Just get up, in front of the comprehension is his biggest For example, he likes reading and class, and belt out silly nicknames strength. But, in time, the writing, playing basketball. In fact, Jack just and Jack is in stitches. And, it’s produced an assignment in which reading, and speaking will come. infectious. He gets all the other he combined both interests. He
kids laughing along with him. Not So, what does this young boy from submitted a research paper in a I’m laughing at you sort of thing, Hainan like to do besides laughing English on Yao Ming. Could you but a genuine feel-good laugh that and enjoying his friends at Hillside? imagine writing about LeBron only children below the age of Well, for one, he loves computer James in Chinese? Then, presenting thirteen possess. You know, when games. His favorite is League of it to your Chinese classmates? the world is still innocent and Legends. He teams up with Kevin Amazing stuff! Anyway, Jack funny and, as a teacher, you’re still Kou and some of the other Chinese eventually wants to go to college in considered “cool” and OK to be America and someday become an around. By the time the boys are in engineer. It’ll happen. If Jack can Eighth Grade, the magic is gone conquer worlds in League of and the world becomes serious Legends and write theses in English once more. So, let’s enjoy this age after only 4 months of American and this young man while we still schooling, then the sky’s the limit have time. 1. Hainan, China for this young man. Page.10 Global Gazette Hillside School
Spotlight… Student Profiles
Dima Piskin
adjusting to Hillside, but he never encounter with Admissions seemed to skip a beat on any level. superstar and friendly face Sean Not in classes, the dorm, nor on the Hayes sent Dima and the Reeds to ice. He has been a delight to have check out Hillside. Dima, who around here and everyone loves wanted to come to a school with him. high academic standards as well as promising “hockey opportunities,” Dima was born in 2000 to Andrey ended up visiting the campus and and Tanya Piskin and he comes Mr. Salmi and I were lucky enough from Kharkov, Ukraine’s second to be around to tour him. I
largest city and a cultural hub. It is remember the family talking about
here that young Dima grew up in a the possibility of coming to Hillside family of four. He is the oldest boy
in the Piskin family. His father,
Dima Alexsey, has his own business buying and reselling door locks At Hillside, we kept hearing of while his mother, Tanya, is a this Dima Piskin kid from Ukraine “housewife.” Dima also has a who was set to start studying here. younger brother, Alexey, who is September came and we went nine years old and goes to school in Dima and the Reed family Ukraine. without seeing him. Then, the Fall the following year. It seemed like a Term ended and still no sign of So, how did young Dima wind up good distance in the future, and we Dima. The word from Admissions here in Marlborough, weren’t sure if we’d see him again. was that the immigration process Massachusetts? It’s a long way After experiencing struggles with had been a challenge. Coming from Kharkov. Well, when Dima customs and immigration, Dima from Ukraine, and given the was 9 years old, he participated in finally made it to our cozy little political turmoil that country is the Durzhba-78 hockey camp where campus in January. And he’s been now facing, it was no surprise. he billeted with the Reeds from impressing people ever since Then, sometime in January, the Pennsylvania. Dima had made such He says that classes at Hillside are waiting was over and young Piskin a strong impression on the family more fun than in Ukraine largely arrived on campus. I remember that they remained in contact with because he can “experience things seeing him at breakfast, walking him when he returned to Ukraine instead of just listening and over to him, and telling him: via Skype and Facebook. The looking.” There is, however, a “Dima, hi! I have bad news for family continued to host him from downside to being at Hillside. He you?” 2012 to 2014 and, after misses his family and friends back participating in the Prep Prospects “What’s that?” the young home. Although that may be true, Hockey Tournament, a chance Ukranian queried. young Dima has an excellent “I’m your advisor!” support system with the Reeds and Hillside here in America. We have He had a chuckle and said “Hi, waited a long time for this young Mr. Brown. That IS bad news.” man to arrive and, now that he is And so began the legend of Dima here, we can all say that it has been Piskin. He’s one of those rare birds well worth the wait. who fits right in on day one. He not only had an easy time of Kharkov, Ukraine
Page.11 Global Gazette Hillside School Spotlight… Student Profiles
Tyler Bryan
yourself, Is the kid really this great? favor. The short answer is “yes!” Sadly, Tyler has recently been cast Tyler Bryan was born in Harlem, in the leadership role again. As this New York. His father died several article was being written, his years ago and he was raised by his mother, Kelly, passed away. This mother Kelly Hopkins on West must be very hard for a teenager to th 116 Street. The street is famous in digest, but he is lucky in the sense New York as it runs from Riverside that he is surrounded by good Drive (overlooking the Hudson), to people in his life and a very
the East River, winds through the supportive Hillside community. If
borough of Manhattan where it traverses through the neighborhoods of Morningside Heights, Harlem, and Spanish Harlem. It was here, on the busy Tyler Bryan streets of Harlem, that young Tyler
Tyler Bryan or Superman? You Bryan grew up. On the bus ride to tell me! Superman was famous for JFK airport at Christmas time, I recall Tyler talking fondly about changing out of his clothes into his Tyler and his buddies Superman outfit and saving the day. how he cooks breakfast for his family sometimes. He has a all goes as planned, he’ll finish out Well, Tyler Bryan did exactly that. his middle school education here He was asked to play in a JV game younger brother and he takes his big brother role seriously. He’s then go to a quality secondary against mighty Applewild then, school and on to college. And, you play in his usual varsity game responsible and helps out where he can. This is the role Tyler has taken can bet your lucky stars that schools scheduled immediately after it. Any that get this young man are going to problem doing that, Tyler? “No up in his life, and it is one that he carries with him today at Hillside. be fortunate. He’s a kid with great problem Mr. Brown. I’m good!” inner strength and promise. He He enjoys being a leader in the Without complaint or excuse, Tyler aspires to be a lawyer or lacrosse halls, the classrooms, and out on the proceeded to lead Hillside JV to a player when he’s older. Knowing stunning victory over Applewild, a basketball court. The kids respect him because he speaks from the Tyler, he will excel at both of these team that crushed us previously by professions if given the chance. nearly 40 points. And he did it in heart and has everyone’s best mesmerizing fashion, dominating interest in mind. He also has a little Not only does this kid excel at thing called integrity working in his the game both defensively and school and on the athletic fields, he excels in life. He admires fellow offensively. Then, he took some Hillside student Alex Jeong and pats on the back and during the end champions him as his role model. of game speech by the coach, proceeded to change into his varsity Tyler is not consumed with race or rank; rather, he identifies with basketball uniform to play against an older and very talented high people as individuals. And this is school team. Wow! Talk about part of his greatness and a reason attitude. This kid has it! All good of that so many respect him. We’re course and as the superlatives come here for you Tyler. We love you 1. and got your back, just as you’ve flying in, you might think to 116th Street, Harlem always had ours. 1. Page.12 Global Gazette Hillside School Spotlight… Student Profiles
The Fabulous Baker Boys
Ian (Hacke-Baker) is in Eighth a baby face and some meat to his Grade and was born on the tiny bones. Ian is not quite as big yet. island of Vieland in the He’s thin and wiry, but despite his Netherlands. His mother, Dawn, is lack of bulk, he’s willing to mix it Jack’s father’s baby sister and the up with bigger offensive players on th 10 child in that long list. The two the basketball court. Yeah, they’re a boys have been living together ever little different, but in a neat and
since 2005 when “Auntie Dawn,” interesting way.
Ian’s mother, became Jack’s legal On the weekends, they typically go guardian. Got it? Well, I’m not sure home to Michelle…I mean I do either. But all you need to Susie…I mean Auntie Dawn. know is that the three live together Alright, I’m getting carried away with Jack and Ian’s grandmother with this movie comparison, but
and grandfather. Not only living you get the idea. They then return Ian and Jack Baker together, but they have been to the dorm on Sunday night where R emember theIan 1989 romantic thriving together, just like Michelle Auntie Dawn drops them off. There comedy The Fabulous Baker Boys? Pfeiffer and those fabulous Baker The movie starred real life brothers Boys of movie lore. Jeff and Beau Bridges playing the Although Jack and Ian share a roles of brothers and struggling close bond, they are very different. lounge jazz pianists Jack and Frank Jack is the quick-witted musician Baker. To revitalize their careers and Ian is the easy-going jock. The they take on a female vocalist, former, Jack, plays in the Boys ‘n Susie Diamond, played by Michelle Blue and will occasionally star in a
Pfeiffer, and their careers start to solo performance where he belts out are some exchanges of motherly take off. Well, we have our own a tune in a soft, low voice words of wisdom, some food passes Hillside version of Hollywood’s reminiscent of a crooner from the hands, followed by hugs and kisses, Baker Boys. They are Jack and Ian Golden Age of Music. You expect then Auntie Dawn is off. They’re a
Baker. Although they are not the curtains to peel back and a big tight family. brothers, they share the same last band, dressed in tuxedos, to appear name and an unbreakable family behind him. Ian can be seen diving But don’t expect these two to team bond. All the boys need now is a for loose balls on the hard court, up in their professional years. The Michelle Pfeiffer-like dame in order nailing three-pointers from beyond boys have no plans of forming their to mirror the late 80s movie that the arc or smashing balls on the own jazz band and playing in lounges across America. Instead, catapulted Michelle Pfeiffer into Hillside ping pong circuit. Jack has Jack wants to be an artist. He loves stardom. Enter Dawn Baker. Ok, she’s not a songstress, nor a peer. the world of art. Ian, on the other hand, kids that he wants to be She‘s the boys’ beloved caretaker whom Jack affectionately refers to “Gandhi.” (He must be in Mr.
as “Auntie Dawn.” Osae’s Peace Class this year). Whatever the two choose to do in Jack and Ian are cousins. Jack, th life, they will no doubt be who is in the 9 Grade is from successful. After all, they have that Boston. His father was the first in a gem Auntie Dawn, their Susie family that included ten children. Memories Diamond, to lean on in the crunch.
Page.13 Global Gazette Hillside School
International Book Review
International
Book Review
By Ms. Dalane
His classmates are quite disturbed by Pierre-Anthon and
feel that things matter; their lives have meaning. They decide to collect meaningful items from each other to prove this to themselves and to Pierre-Anthon. At first, they bring photographs and other things they have collected, but all of them realize that none of the things brought are truly valued by any of them. One boy volunteers to bring his most prized possession, his Dungeons and Dragons game. He is ultimately quite unhappy to give it up and demands that another boy give up his fishing rod. The fishing rod boy demands that someone else give up something dear. The
stakes are raised higher and higher, each child demanding something more important and more significant from the next. The children eventually demand a prayer mat from a Nothing very religious boy, who is beaten by his father for losing it, and the finger of a boy who plays guitar. Their “heap of By Janne Teller meaning” is filled, but their faith in each other deteriorates. When the world finds out about their project, a museum Setting: Modern Denmark decides it is art and offers them a hefty sum for it. The Recommended for students in Eighth and Ninth children are initially thrilled, but soon realize that if they Grades due to mature content sell their heap of meaning, then money is all it is
worth. They have already agreed to sell the pile, but instead pursue another course of action. Janne Teller’s novel Nothing, set in the fictional town of Tæring in Denmark, begins with a Danish boy in a tree. Pierre-Anthon has decided that This book is considered by some to be a modern-day nothing really matters and so he has taken to spending all of his time in the tree instead of Lord of the Flies and has been described as a “haunting existential novel” that searches for meaning in life. It was attending classes, mocking his former classmates and pelting them with plums as they go by. According to originally written in Danish in 2010 and translated into
Pierre-Anthon “It's all a waste of time. Everything English soon after. It was a Printz Honor Book in 2011
begins only to end. The moment you were born you and received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, and began to die. That's how it is with everything.” Publisher’s Weekly.
what he has to say. They want to believe that things Coolmatter, that their Facts lives have meaning. about They Teller decide to collect meaningful items from each other to prove this to themselves and to Pierre- • Born in Copenhagen, Denmark Anthon. At first, they bring photographs and other things they have collected, but all of them realize
that none • of Educated the things brought as a aremacro truly valued-economist by any of them. One boy volunteers to bring his most prized • Worked possession, for his the Dungeons United and Nations Dragons game. He is ultimately quite unhappy to 1. givePage.14 it up and demands that another boy give up Global Gazette Hillside School his fishing rod. The fishing rod boy demands that someone else give up something dear. The Science Page
The Wonderful World of Science: Global Conservation
By staff reporter
1. Henry Bryant The Endemic Birds of Hawai’i
Many people know the story of Charles Darwin and his journey on the H.M.S. Beagle. The author of Origin of Species travelled around the world on this great ship documenting different species across the globe. What he is best known for is his work with the finches on the Galapagos Islands. A lesser known story is that of the endemic birds of Hawai’i. Bringing our focus back to a place that many of us call home, the 50th addition to the United States, the Islands of Hawai’i are home to many unique species. Typical of an island, Hawai’i is home to what we call endemic species. Endemic means that these organisms only exist in one place on the globe. This means that if their population dies out, then the entire species is extinct. At one point, Hawai’i was home to over 150 endemic bird species. Their vibrant coloration and beautiful songs decorated the landscape of the volcanic island chain. They were given names by the natives in their local dialect; Akialoa, Nuku pu’u, ‘I’iwi and so on. However, as the human population grew and the development of the island began to reach into the forests, these birds were soon left without a home. Today, around 40 of these species are still alive. Over half of these 40 are endangered. Fortunately, the American Bird Conservancy 1. (ABC) has designated Hawai’i as the epicenter of bird conservation efforts. Their plan (2013):
Increasing private and government funding for their conservation Protecting, managing, or restoring critical bird habitat for species such as the Palila and Maui Parrotbill Addressing major threats to bird populations such as the Nihoa Millerbird Increasing public awareness and support for Hawaiian bird conservation
So far they have received millions in funding and are working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the remaining species. With more recognition and assistance, these bird species will have a fighting chance to reestablish their populations. Page.15 *As a side note, I will be travelling to Hawai’i this summer to participate in some conservation efforts to help these endemic birds. Keep your eyes peeled for an update on this in the first issue of the Hillsider after our summer vacation. Foods from Abroad
From Turkey
Baklava is a rich, sweet Turkish pastry made of layers of filo
with chopped nuts. The dish is sweetened and held together by syrup or honey. It is prepared on large buttered trays and cut into a variety of interesting shapes. The dish is said to have originated in the imperial kitchens of the Ottoman Empire of the Topkapi Palace. The Sultan presented trays of baklava to Janissaries (elite soldiers) every 15th of the month of Ramadan. Baklava has become popular in restaurants all over the United States. Hillside student Jon Sakhat’s family serves this delicious treat at their award winning restaurant El Basha in Westborough. If you ever Baklava get the chance to try this dish, don’t miss out.
From Cameroon Ndole is a hearty African soup from Cameroon. It consists of a
variety of ingredients that, to non-Africans, may seem a little
odd. But don’t let the seemingly strange combination of
ingredients fool you. This is one delicious meal. Ndole is made
from bitter leaf, dried shrimp, kale, collards, turnip greens, smoked cod, raw peanuts, onion, ginger, and raw garlic. Mix them all together, simmer on the stove, and enjoy this African 1. delicacy. Ndole
From Germany Sauerbraten is essentially a German pot roast that can be prepared with beef, venison, lamb, mutton, pork, and traditionally, horse. Before the cooking process starts, the meat is marinated for days in a delicious mixture of vinegar, wine, water, herbs, spices, and seasonings. The marinating serves to soften the meat and results in a finished dish that is tender and juicy. Mr. Carleton prepared a sauerbraten dish for the International Café last year. It was one of the most successful and delicious Cafes 1. that we have ever had. Sauerbraten
From Argentina . Choripan is a pre-requisite in Argentina before any football match. It is a popular street food that is made with pork and beef chorizo cooked over charcoal or wood flames. The meat is cooked then butterflied down the middle. It is topped with chimichurri and served between slices of crusty bread.
Caramelized onions, pickled aubergines, and green peppers can 1. be added. Choripan is out of this world! Choripan
Page.16 1. Global Gazette Hillside School
World Mysteries
Stories Written
by Mr. Kinney &
Matt Guerra ‘15
Ancient Civilizations: The Cahokia by Justin Kinney
It’s baffling how many civilizations have come and gone in our world.
Think about it! Countless societies have grown into existence and thrived for centuries, only to then decline to a void of nothingness. Even the greatest of empires have somehow managed to disappear, some without a trace as to why or how. Two such unsolved mysteries explored here are the declines of the magnificent Indus Valley civilization, which spanned over four countries in the Middle East thousands of years ago, and the brilliant Cahokia civilization, which flourished in what is now Collinsville, Illinois (600from- 1400600 - AD).1400 TheAD. Cahokia were an advanced group of Native Americans known for being marvelous artists, architects, and farmers. They were comprised of 50 communities over six square miles. They built 120 hand-formed, huge, earthen pyramids, some over ten stories high (100 feet). They also hand-crafted a Stonehenge-like structures of wood, known as Woodhenge, which was used to track the movement of the stars. They made incredible art with shells, copper, and stone. Unfortunately, the only evidence left behind of their existence is these structures and pieces of art with symbols on them. No written records exist. Their population grew to 40,000 people in 1250, rivaling those of Paris and London. It wouldn’t be until 1800 that a modern US city would surpass that number. But, somehow in
1400, the population completely vanished from the area, leaving the area unpopulated for over a century.
How could such a brilliant and advanced civilization just disappear? Even though we do not know the exact cause of the Cahokia’s demise, there is no telling what evidence may be uncovered in the future.
Ancient Civilizations: The Indus Valley by Matt Guerra The Indus Valley civilization, also known as the Harappan civilization, was one of the greatest civilizations of its time (the Bronze Age). The Indus people were about 5 million strong, which at the time (3000-1300 BC) made up over ten percent of the world’s population. They had 2 major cities, Harappa and Mohenjodaro, and also over 100 small towns. The area1. of India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan was where the Indus civilization ruled for thousands of years. They were leaders in developing new, more efficient techniques in handicraft, and metallurgy. They were most known for their detailed and beautiful architecture, inventing techniques we still use today. It's amazing how such a big, well trained, ingenious group of people with great infrastructure and a good
climate to live could suddenly disappear with no trace of how or why they fled. This is a mystery that
archeologists and scientists around the world are still to this day trying to figure out. There are no records of why they left the Indus Valley. Some claim that a nomadic, Indo-European tribe called the “Aryans” suddenly invaded and conquered them. Others say that climate change is to blame, as deadly monsoons migrated eastward. Others argue that a tectonic event may have caused the Valley’s river systems to be diverted towards the Ganges Plain. No one really knows what led to the collapse of this great civilization and it will be astonishing to see if archeologists ever find a cause for this kingdom to be abandoned, and to see what evidence they uncover next. Page.1 7 Int’l Trivia Teasers
10 International Trivia Questions for the Month of December
1) From which continent do tigers originate?
a) Africa b) Asia c) Europe 2) Which CFL team is called the Tiger Cats?
a) Saskatchewan b) Montreal c) Hamilton
3) What is South Korea’s third biggest city?
a) Daegu b) Incheon C) Busan
4) In which country can you find the island of Ko Samui? a) Thailand b) Vietnam c) Myanamar
5) If you were paid in “krone,” you’d likely be in this country? a) Denmark b) the Netherlands c) Switzerland
6) Who is the President of China? a) Jiang Zemin b) Xi Jinping c) Hu Jintao
7) In which present day country is historical Bohemia?
a) Hungary b) Croatia c) Czech Republic
8) Which African country is landlocked? a) Chad b) Egypt c) Sudan
9) Which food is uniquely American? a) spaghetti b) hamburgers c) gumbo 10) Which of the following countries have NOT banned Valentine’s Day?
a) Iraq b) Russia c) Malaysia
Answers: 1) b 2) c 3) b 4) a 5) a 6) b 7) c 8) a 9) c 10) a
Page.18 Global Gazette Hillside School The Traveling Translator
Love from around the world
1.
English - Love
Spanish - Amar
Korean - Salang 사랑
Japanese - Ai 愛
Hindi - Iska
Malay - Suka 1.
Chinese - Ai 愛
Page.19 Global Gazette Hillside School