We have all heard stories about the terrible things that today's celebrities have done, said, or been involved in, but can we ignore this because they are great artists? By Tendai "Kanye West - Kanye Omari West" by Peter Hutchins is licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Let's take Kanye West as a prime example. One of the most famous artists in history. With 24 Grammy awards and over 160 million records sold, he as an artist has a significant influence on global culture. People listen to what he has to say through his music every day, but is it ok to do so? In 2022 he wore a “White Lives Matter” shirt to a public event. Later that year he posted a tweet saying “Death con 3 ON JEWISH PEOPLE”, and a few years ago he publicly said “racism is a dated concept.” However, he recently released a new album, and in under a week, he surpassed Taylor Swift, becoming Spotify's No. 1 artist. It's not as if all of the things he has said and done outside of his lyrics are unknown. His ideologies are extremely well known as a result of hundreds of viral clips, tweets, and articles written about him. But we still choose to listen to his art. Michael Jackson, considered to be one of the most popular and groundbreaking musicians in history is another example of this. However, his situation is different considering that while Kanye is still making music today, he is not. He faced charges of child sexual abuse in 2007 and further proof was only released after his death in 2009. A documentary was released in 2019 called Leaving Neverland where Wade Robson and James Safechuck, accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them as children starting from ages seven and ten respectively. In fact, their lawsuit against Jackson has recently been revived in California courts. Despite the rumors and alleged evidence that Jackson was a child molester, however, his brand continued to thrive after his death. This issue comes down to personal opinion and morals. Some argue that if he were still alive today, they would not listen to his music due to the fact that he abused children. However, because he is dead, they technically aren't supporting him in any way but rather his “brand" as a seminal musical artist. If we circle back to active artists such as Kanye West, what does listening to his music actually do? For every individual time someone listens to one of his songs on Spotify alone he makes $0.00437. When we multiply this by the billions of streams he receives on this platform alone, he is making around $3,747,643 per year. Every time your fingertips tap on his play button on Spotify, you are actively making him richer. But why does this matter? Many may think Kanye is outrageous for having the confidence to say what he says, knowing that the whole world will see/hear it. However, considering that he has over forty billion streams on Spotify, his confidence must be through the roof. The more money he makes, the more compelled he presumably feels to continue his provocative behavior. Many people's immediate opinion on this debate is that if the artist isn't doing something that directly affects them, then why should they care what they say or do? What Kanye preaches cannot be ignored completely, though. The antisemitism, racism, and extreme ideas have to be recognized. As recently as a few years ago, he was seriously considering running for and becoming the next president of the U.S. But so what? Who cares what he says, thinks, and does? Well, we can all remember what happened when people didn't take another celebrity - DonaldTrump - seriously. Although we cannot fully compare the two, Kanye is an extremely powerful man, with extremely controversial and divisive ideologies. The name “Kanye” has almost become its own brand. It is so recognizable to the extent that we begin to feel an almost personal connection to him when we call him by his first name. Arguably, he has created this massive family of followers and fans who themselves don't notice what they truly stand for. Photo by Mathew Browne on Unsplash Kanye, and Jackson, although they are different people, can provoke similar arguments about them. But we can't just stay within the barriers of specific artists. Instead, we have to zoom out to the bigger picture: can we separate the artist from the art?
We can argue that we can never part the two because the more we listen, the more encouragement we give them for their behavior. However, we can also argue that if a person's music itself doesn't specifically encourage and show who they are outside of it, it's ok. Because music can have create a real connection with people; it can change people, and what an artist does outside of their music doesn’t matter. The question is, is there ever no connection between an artist and their art, or do we blindly get pulled into a feeling of connection with and come under the spell of someone who could be a human being with problematic morals? Can we really separate the two? We can yet again argue that in today's generation, people just don't care. I could take myself as an example. I listen to probably over 20 songs where I have no idea what they are saying. However, I love the way they sound. What if they are saying something horrific? I would never know, but it could slowly normalize whatever horrible idea is being spread. I could also say that I love to listen to Kanye, but at the same time I deeply hate anti-semitism, inequality, and racism. Does that make sense? Is it a paradox? If you are going to listen to Kanye, you must be self-aware and understand that you are part of the problem. We can't claim to support equality and still listen to Kanye, without understanding the impact we might be having. This doesn't just apply to Kanye, but all situations like these. Ultimately, it's not about separating the artist from the art but being self-aware of your actions and understanding who you support, indirectly or not.
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This year AISM is trying out a brand new interest-based Week Without Walls program. One of the options is a once in a lifetime mini course to learn how to photo document wildlife.
By Danielle
To all of you photography lovers out there, don’t be afraid to join in the fun at Kruger National Park this May 20-24 for a WWW trip that will be about not only finding a group of people with a similar interest, but also capturing your memories together through high quality photography.
The video below is a promotional piece developed for my Personal Project to encourage students to sign up for this great opportunity. It is open to those looking to try out wildlife photography for the first time, as well as those looking to practice their existing skills. The relevant grade levels have been sent a Google Form for WWW sign ups and if you have any questions, be sure to ask Ms. Rose, Mr. Peter or me. Take a shot at this fun experience and capture this moment in your life when you are surrounded by the wonders of African nature. It was Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona that made millions fall in love with the beautiful game. It felt like what we watched transcended the game. A well-oiled system with each element meticulously designed to do its part. It felt like magic. Carlo Ancelotti is the only manager to win 4 European Cups and a league title in each of the 5 big leagues. Yet, he doesn’t have a distinct style of play or system. Welcome to the opposites who both attract millions of football fans worldwide. By Atharv Behind the supernatural talent pool in Barcelona, was one of the most logical, meticulously designed systems of football the world has ever seen. Each player needed to slot themselves in like a lego piece. They would simply have to fit in or not play. On the other hand, Ancelotti picks the best players he has and puts them in their favoured positions to make the whole team function. One seeks to bring order and eliminate any sort of unpredictability, while the other capitalizes on chaos. How is it possible to have such wildly contrasting football philosophies, yet both be so highly successful in the modern game? Guardiola is a visionary theorist who fundamentally changed the way the game is played, developing and refining his concept of “Juego de posición”. Known for his possession-based brand of football, Guardiola’s teams excel in commanding games through intricate passing movements. He meticulously drills down into the smallest of details and makes them matter. He decides the system to be played in each and every game and reduces the responsibility placed upon the players, essentially making their decisions for them. He plans in such a way that he can control the game as much as possible. For instance, at Barcelona, Guardiola started Thierry Henry at right wing. However, Henry, being Henry, shifted to the left side and started combining with Messi. Eventually, Henry scored. 1-0 to Barcelona vs Sporting Lisbon and everything seemed perfectly normal. They went in for the halftime break, all happy, and Pep took Henry off, essentially saying “when I have a plan, you respect my plan.” After Pep won all there was to win at Barcelona, he only went and did it again at City, taking the Barcelona blueprint and recreating it in the Premier League, highlighting to a great extent how his system can be employed in different contexts. As he describes his philosophy: “I don't like it when a player says, 'I like freedom; I want to play for myself.' Because the player has to understand he is part of a team with 10 other players. If everyone wants to be a jazz musician, it will be chaos. They will not be a team, and nothing will be possible.” On the other hand, what specifically makes Carlo Ancelotti unique is his desire to make life uncomfortable for the opponent through different modes of attack. His teams are perfectly capable of a controlled build up through the thirds. However, they are far from dogmatic in their playing approach and much more than other top teams, they are happy to find less controlled routes to goal. What makes his teams so special is their ability to adapt to the opposition and situation, meaning they are perfectly tailored to tackle that specific situation. As Ancelotti captures it “here is something I firmly believe in, and that is if you think and act as part of a team, individual recognitions will come on their own. Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." He believes in a brand of football that benefits his players the most, and he, himself, has no primary guiding principle. He is acknowledged as one of the best man-managers in the game and has a special ability to connect with the players. He simply looks at his players and finds a structure that allows everyone to be in their best positions, placing the utmost responsibility upon the players and trusting them to deliver day in and day out. "I think that trust is a fundamental aspect of any relationship, and it's no different with players", he says. "If you trust your players, they will trust you back, and that's crucial for the success of the team." Despite both succeeding all across Europe, they have their faults and are often criticized for their approaches. Guardiola has been often criticized for overthinking tactics before crucial games, which has led to some disappointing results. Moreover, he has faced challenges in managing certain players’ egos, leading to significant conflicts throughout his managerial career. For instance, during his time at Barcelona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic grew frustrated with Pep Guardiola’s management style and tactics. Playing in the shadow of Lionel Messi, Ibrahimovic exposed his discontent and clashed with Guardiola, leading to a strained relationship between the two, eventually leading to Ibrahimovic leaving after only 2 seasons at the club. On the flip side of things, Ancelotti’s tactical flexibility has also been a weakness in his coaching career. While he is known for adapting his style based on the players at his disposal, there have been instances where his tactical decisions have been criticized. For example, in a match where Real Madrid faced Atletico Madrid, Ancelotti’s choice of a 4-3-2-1 formating, resembling a Christmas tree setup, was heavily scrutinized. The narrowness of the formation left Real Madrid highly exposed to Atletico’s wide threat, as they struggled to contain the opposing wing back’s and provide adequate defensive cover on the flanks. This incident effectively depicts how Ancelotti's system can come crashing down if not thought out properly. Photo by Connor Coyne on Unsplash The journeys of Guardiola and Ancelotti exemplify the beauty of football, showcasing how two completely contrasting approaches can lead to success in their own right. Their stories remind us that football is not just a game but a platform for creativity, innovation and teamwork. It is a celebration of individual and collective brilliance, where talent, skill, strategy and adaptability intertwine to create moments of magic.
As we reflect on the legacies of Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, we have to remind ourselves that football is much more than a sport; it is a canvas for endless possibilities. Their contrasting paths perfectly exemplify the boundless possibilities within the game and will continue to do so for years to come. Whenever you ask anyone which games use a racket, they might just say tennis, but it’s not the only sport with strings (or no strings like padel!) out there. By Sohini Photo by Muktasim Azlan on Unsplash Did you know that there are a wide range of racket sports other than tennis and that some of these are incredibly popular in different parts of the world? There are approximately 35 widely-played racket sports in the world, including badminton, table tennis, padel, squash and many more. Playing racket sports has many well-established physical benefits, such as being good for your upper and lower-body strength. Besides this, they are also highly beneficial as cardiovascular workouts and do not require too much in terms of equipment. Instead of the cardiovascular workout you do at the gym, you could do it all by just playing racket sports, which also enable people to socialize through healthy competition. A recent study conducted by Harvard revealed that from 80,306 people ranging from 20 to 98, those who regularly played racket sports were 47% less likely to die of any cause and 56% less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. It is quite incredible that racket sports can be so good for us both mentally and physically. And they are already bigger hitters than we might think. Did you know, for example, that badminton is recognized as the world’s fastest sport as the shuttlecocks can reach speeds of 493 km/h, which is faster than any other object in sports? Or that badminton is the second most popular participation sport in the world after football/soccer? Or that Padel is already more popular than tennis in Spain? Photo by Tomasz Krawczyk on Unsplash When I was 6 or 7 years old I started playing badminton. It was hard at first as I kept on missing shots each and every time. But I kept on practicing with my parents for years and years until I got better at it. I can now shoot high and low with accuracy. Even the world famous Lin Dan who has won the World Championships 5 times had to practice for decades so that he could reach an advanced level. To play badminton, players require a balance of hand-eye coordination, speed, agility and endurance. Some basic skills needed to play it are stance, backhand, forehand, serving and an effective racket grip.
And If you would like to learn padel then you can visit Padel Maputo for further information. It is next to AISM, just behind the race track and not far from Baia mall. Padel is basically a racket sport which is played as a doubles game on an enclosed court. It is a cross of badminton and squash where the ball can bounce off the surfaces around the courts. How lucky we are that such a wide variety of racket sports were invented from the 18th century onwards. There is something for everyone; those who don't want to play tennis can play badminton or people who don't want to play badminton, tennis or padel can play table tennis. With all this choice and with so many benefits, it might be time for you to take a swing at racket sports. In our new Language and Literature unit we are thinking about people who have achieved great things despite facing often unimaginable setbacks. As a reader and writer, my mind turned to the late, great Maya Angelou. Here is my ode to Maya and what she means to me. By Lana Photo by Dawid Zawiła on Unsplash They hacked at her
They shattered her Broke her down She held her ground She sang of freedom in her anthem "You may shoot me with your words" Still she rose Never folded her cards Kept Harlem hopping when it got hard But still, like air, she rose She worshipped equality in her sanctum The very definition of "Phenomenal Woman" If she can do it, so can you "On the pulse of morning" She appears It's Maya Angelou What is it about swimming that makes the water our second home? By Maria They called up my name to the swimming area. I couldn’t back out now. My intense feelings were rumbling in my stomach. “200 meters, now thats a lot", they said. It made me want to cry. But when the first whistle was blown, I had to jump in the water and get into backstroke position. No choice. Focus. “ON YOUR MARKS!” and the whistle was blown again. I swam away fast and made it out. How could all of those feelings go away as soon as I completed my first stroke. How could it all flow again so quickly? What is it about swimming that helped me get rid of all my nerves in a split second and just focus on the feeling of my body in the water, flowing with the tide? How was I able to gain strength so quickly? Coach Guideon, who mentors the ISSEA swim teams, sees swimming as far more than just a sport. "Having been a swimmer myself, I experienced its transformative power", he says. "My personal connection with swimming began as a source of joy and self-discovery. I not only enjoyed the physical aspect but also found that swimming played a pivotal role in shaping my character. It taught me resilience, time management, and how to navigate life's challenges. Swimming became a guiding force, helping me organize my life and prioritize what truly matters." This profound influence led to him embracing coaching in order to pass on the benefits of swimming to others. "It not only taught me valuable life skills and discipline, but also provided a platform for personal growth. Coaching allows me to share my love for swimming and contribute to the development of individuals, both in and out of the water. Witnessing the positive impact it has on their lives fuels my passion." Photo by □□□□□□□ □□□□□□□□ on Unsplash But when did our relationship with swimming really begin? As far as we know, it started in Egypt, according to evidence at The Cave of Swimmers with drawings showing human bodies in swimming positions. It suggests that swimming has existed since 8000 years ago. However, since Egypt was one of the drier places on earth there are still some questions and debates around this. Swimming was also hugely popular in Ancient Greece and Rome, as it was part of martial training and education courses for males. There is also some evidence from the 1st century BCE of swimming races in Japan. By the 17th century the Imperial Court brought swimming into schools which allowed children to learn how to swim. The population started growing and some babies started to learn how to swim before they even learn’t how to walk. In the 1800s it officially became a competitive sport and later in 1896 it became an Olympic sport, though at first only for men. 16 years later, Olympic swimming was introduced for women. But swimming is not just about competition. It is the fourth most popular recreational sport in the US after walking, running and cycling. 91% of Americans (31% of the population) participate in swimming. For centuries we have entered the water and wanted to stay there. What is it about swimming that makes it feel like our second home especially since we are mainly land mammals? Studies have proven that since our body is made up of 70% water, our brains immediately feel connected, at peace and feel a positive connection when we are in water. Photo by Julia Joppien on Unsplash Swimming has a wide range of physical benefits. For example, it is the sport where you gain most cardiovascular strength since all your body is working together at the same time. It also needs the heart to pump oxygen all over your body, especially to the lungs. Swimming strengthens bone health as well. If you swim for an hour you can burn 40 more calories more than someone biking for an hour. According to a 2017 study, experts have said that swimmers have a 28% lower risk of early death and a 41% lower risk of death caused by heart diseases. Besides this, swimming increases blood flow to the heart when we swim in a vertical position. But apart from these physical upsides, swimming is also highly beneficial in terms of our mental health. For instance, it boosts blood flow to the brain which can help with stress. It also helps regulate breathing, which in turn can lower blood pressure and increase feelings of calm. Furthermore, swimming is an effective medicine for treating anxiety and depression. As well as these mental health benefits, it also helps to release endorphins and serotonin. In addition, swimming fosters mindfulness. If you are competing, you need to focus on how many laps you have left, your breathing pattern and stroke pattern. With all these things to take notice of when you are in the water, your brain will have little space to worry about daily concerns, but instead will just focus on the swimming itself. Photo by Rinke Dohmen on Unsplash So swimming really has a lot to offer. And when the whistle blows again, I will be readier than ever.
Take the plunge too; you never know what good things could happen. Works cited Lieber, Dr. Mark. "What Regular Swimming Does for the Body and Mind." CNN Health, 18 Feb 2024, https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/16/health/swimming-covid-blues-weight-loss-wellness/index.htmledition.cnn.com/2021/07/16/health/swimming-covid-blues-weight-loss-wellness/index.html Overbury, et al. "Swimming in Nature: A scoping review of the mental health and wellbeing benefits of open water swimming."Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 90, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102073 Sinha, Proteeti. "Go For a Swim for these 6 Mental Health Benefits." Swimming World Magazine, 19 Feb 2024, https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/feeling-blue-go-for-a-swim-for-these-6-mental-health-benefits/ "Swimming: Sport and Recreation". Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Feb. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/sports/swimming-sport "Where did Swimming Originate?" Simply Swim, 2016, https://www.simplyswim.com/blogs/blog/where-did-swimming-originatewww.simplyswim.com/blogs/blog/where-did-swimming-originate Wild, Dr. Samantha. "Six Ways Swimming Benefits Your Mental Wellbeing." Bupa, 18 Feb 2024 https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/benefits-of-swimming www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/benefits-of-swimming Photo by Patrick Schätz on Unsplash Having dogs as pets in our homes has become thoroughly normalized. Dogs come in a variety of different sizes, colors and body shapes; some of which we seem to prefer over others. Breeding comes at a devastating cost to our furry friends. So the question arises, have we domesticated dogs to death? By Jaya and Vihaan Photo by Bruce Warrington on Unsplash Selective breeding of dogs is evident everywhere we go as we see dogs of all sizes, fur colors, personalities, physical traits, and even more. On the surface, this breeding may seem highly beneficial, advancing dog characteristics such as improving their sense of smell, but is it truly ethical? Or is it a cruel practice that has caused many species of dogs to suffer; to be a victim of inbreeding and limited genetic diversity, primarily to satisfy human "owners"? Selective breeding is carried out with the intention of breeding desirable traits for the dogs involved. One of the most significant ethical concerns, however, is the potential for detrimental health consequences. Breeding for specific physical traits can lead to a range of genetic disorders, physical disabilities, and various illnesses. For example, did you know that dog species such as Pugs and French Bulldogs have difficulty breathing due to their flat faces and narrow nostrils? Furthermore, species such as Sausage Dogs and Corgis with their disproportionately short legs and long backs have to live with pain from ruptured vertebral disks and even chronic problems with elbow dislocation. These issues and disabilities are a result of selective breeding and highlight its cruelty, clearly causing more harm than good. Photo by Melissa Whitecross on Unsplash Another notable ethical issue is the loss of genetic diversity due to inbreeding between dogs. Selective breeding often involves breeding closely related animals to reinforce desired traits. However, this practice increases the risk of inbreeding, leading to a reduction in genetic diversity. In simple terms, inbreeding is when dogs that have one or more ancestors in common mate with each other, with this amplifying the likelihood of harmful genes, thus further worsening health problems and increasing susceptibility to diseases. Over time, this loss of genetic diversity within different species of dogs can render certain breeds more vulnerable to environmental changes and limit their ability to adapt. Ultimately, it may lead to some species of dogs becoming more prone to extinction. Photo by Meyer Zinn on Unsplash The last key point in relation to the ethics of dog breeding comes from the fact that selective breeding in dogs today is shaped by human imposed beauty standards. There is constant controversy around the world about the inhumane beauty standards placed upon people today, particularly in the digital, social media age. What about how this same mentality and obsession with aesthetic ideals gets passed on to our most loyal companions? USA Today published an article which highlighted the specific case of the Westminster Dog Show in 2016 where the vast majority of competing dogs were suffering from a range of different health conditions. While the specific beauty standards for dogs and humans are not the same, jeopardizing someone's health in order to have their looks meet a specific criteria is something that both humans and dogs have become subject to. Moreover, beauty standards for animals utterly disregard the reason for genetic traits. Alterations to traits that have been evolving for thousands of years cause natural adaptations to disappear into thin air in favor of aesthetically pleasing and harmfully cute features. This also links to the widespread global issue of humans taking advantage of seemingly lesser species for our own gain. Photo by Sasha Sashina on Unsplash In the present day, we are seeing an increase in the level of concern this issue raises. Many organizations such as the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) have begun projects to raise awareness of its prevalence and the need to combat it. Nations such as the United Kingdom, Austria, and Germany have all implemented laws that make it illegal for selective breeding if the desired traits will create a disadvantage for the dog. Yet sadly, the issue does not seem to be a significant concern in many other countries around the world. Selective Breeding is not exactly hot news. Having dogs around us is a very familiar sight, yet their suffering goes under the radar. Could it be that the love we have for our best animal friend - the familiar sight of them in our homes - blinds us to the way in which we have domesticated them to fit our own needs and desires? And ultimately, could this domestication lead to the death of some of their kind? Maybe it's time we saw dogs as animals again, with their own natures beyond us. Maybe it's time we let them off the leash a bit more. Works Cited
"Where did Swimming Originate?" Simply Swim, 2016, https://www.simplyswim.com/blogs/blog/where-did-swimming-originatewww.simplyswim.com/blogs/blog/where-did-swimming-originate "Pedigree Dogs Health Problems" RSPCA, 21 Feb 2024, www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy/pedigreedogs/health#:~:text=Pugs%2C%20French%20bulldogs%20and%20other,difficulties%20and%20struggle%20with%20exercise "Selective Breeding Problems" PBS Nature, 2o Feb 2024, https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/dogs-that-changed-the-world-selective-breeding-problems/1281/#:~:text=Selective%20breeding%20of%20the%20disproportionately,often%20from%20ruptured%20vertebral%20disks The Editorial Board. "Bulldogs That can't Breathe" Our View. USA Today, 15 Feb 2016, https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2016/02/15/dogs-breeding-westminster-kennel-american-kennel-club-editorials-debates/80373002/. Accessed 22 Feb 2024. "What do the terms inbreeding and linebreeding mean?" RSPCSA, 21 Feb 2024, https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-do-the-terms-inbreeding-and-linebreeding-mean/ Scientists from around the world have developed a new generation of pills, promising all kinds of pain-free pleasure. But will they truly be beneficial for us or are we just bringing in a wave of new issues? By Polly Photo by danilo.alvesd on Unsplash In August 2023, the British Medical Journal published a new study explaining that only one hour of moderate fitness a week can boost your health to an increasingly high extent, reducing numerous serious health issues including cancer. Yet a quarter of the British population is proven not to participate in any form of physical activity. In fact, a survey of people in over 100 countries showed that almost one third of people are close to doing no exercise at all. One might wonder if there is a way to make these non-active people get the chance to receive the same health benefits, without actually exercising? Something like a magic pill perhaps? Well, according to the pharmaceutical industry there is a pill. More than one in fact. Over the previous decade, pills have increasingly developed, providing solutions for individual medical disabilities, ranging all the way from diabetes to sleep deprivation. Of course, most pills were initially created to provide for the needs of the sick and elderly around the world. However, due to the many seemingly positive side effects - such as weight loss, a stronger immune system and stronger bones - these pills have grown more popular. Since 2002, over two thirds of these drug consumers have been found to have no medical conditions. Among these pills is Ozempic, originally designed to help patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, use of the pill has become twice as widespread since 2021, but for all the wrong reasons. It has not grown in popularity because it has been proven to help diabetics, but because people have been attracted by its promise of helping them to lose weight. The downsides of this supposedly consequence-free health holy grail are the negative side effects including anxiety, dizziness and even a rising chance of dementia by 45%, revealing a dark side to its increase in popularity. Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash The popularity of these pills has gotten so out of hand that more and more of them are being produced, to the point where “unnecessary” harmful pills are being introduced into the market. Because Ozempic doesn't include any fitness effects such as improving brain health or strengthening bones, but rather only focuses on weight loss, other drugs have been developed to include these factors as well, such as the new “Exercise pill” scientifically known as Locamidazole. Pills such as this one are purely created to replicate the action of participating in sports, gaining muscular strength and lowering your risk of contracting a disease.
These pills, when not abused, could provide a valid opportunity for elderly and sick people to stay fit and become healthier and more mobile. They promise to reinforce muscles as well as bone strength with zero negative side effects on the surrounding tissue parts. Unfortunately, this promise is not foregrounded as these pills are being abused by thousands, threatening health challenges for clueless individuals seeking to lose weight, stay fit or grow stronger muscles, unaware of any side effects the pills may cause. Pills such as these are expanding rapidly and becoming more popular than ever. Even if eventually a side-effect free pill could be produced, this could be bad news as it would bring in a drastic, unwelcome change in society. The social benefits of sports would diminish, contributing to a more unsociable lifestyle for future generations. We would also arguably lose our resilience if we didn't need to work hard and overcome obstacles to achieve our health goals. So are we really willing to limit our human lives for a quick and temporary fix? There's a saying that there's no such thing as a free lunch. Maybe there's also no such thing as a magic pill that is free of consequences. Works Cited “4 Brain-Slowing Medications to Avoid If You’re Worried about Memory.” Better Health While Aging, 1 Oct. 2015, betterhealthwhileaging.net/medications-to-avoid-if-worried-about-memory/. “Could a Pill to Strengthen Muscle and Bone Replace Exercise?” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 20 Sept. 2022, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/exercise-in-a-pill-scientists-identify-drug-that-mimics-effects-of-sports. Cox, David. “Could Exercise Pills Help Create a Healthier Society?” The Observer, 31 Dec. 2023, www.theguardian.com/science/2023/dec/31/could-exercise-pills-help-create-healthier-society-irisin-locamidazole. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024. “‘Exercise Pill’ Could Deliver Benefits of Fitness in Tablet Form.” The Guardian, 2 May 2017, www.theguardian.com/science/2017/may/02/exercise-pill-could-deliver-benefits-of-fitness-in-tablet-form. Jha, Alok, and science correspondent. “Report Raises Ethical Concerns about Human Enhancement Technologies.” The Guardian, 7 Nov. 2012, www.theguardian.com/science/2012/nov/07/report-ethical-concerns-human-enhancement-technologies. Recently, a group of AISM students and I trained and received an official PADI certification through the school scuba diving ASA. By Yuma For my personal project, I wanted to explore the mysterious depths of the oceans and the entire ecosystem that thrives daily under our everyday eyes. I decided to make my learning goal to get a scuba diving certification and then create a blog that documents my journey and post it here on the AISM Buffalo blog as my final product. Following Cora’s blog on the scuba diving ASA earlier in the school year, a teacher recommended that I join the ASA, and it proved extremely useful in helping me achieve my goal. If you would like to read more about my scuba diving journey and the steps I took to fulfill my learning goal, make sure to read my blog, which outlines my experience from start to finish. Throughout my journey, I was able to learn about the core parts of scuba diving, meet amazing people, and gain experiences that will last a lifetime. Just like me, you too can learn how to scuba dive simply by joining the school’s scuba diving ASA to start your own journey into the beautiful world of scuba diving.
Has the increased normalization of mental illness inadvertently become a key cause of teen mental health problems? By Laia Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash As humans we have been facing mental health problems for centuries, but we are yet to find the optimum solutions to properly battle this complex issue. 50 years ago, people who struggled with their mental health were shunned and ignored and often told that their problems were non-existent or irrational. Today, though we might tell ourselves we have reached the peak of fighting mental and emotional battles, 1 in every 8 people are faced with a mental disorder, and the statistics do not seem to be improving. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a large increase in online conversations surrounding mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and issues of self harm and eating disorders. These discussions have allowed for millions of people to come forward on internet platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, and feel comfortable enough to disclose their personal battles. Looked at from another perspective, however, they have also sparked the spread of potentially harmful self-diagnosing culture and misinformation about what it means to struggle with mental illness. Psychologists have expressed concerns about how social media has left many teenagers diagnosing themselves with disorders, based on videos made by content creators. This is an unfortunate result of the normalization of medical terms in the average teenage vocabulary. It is not uncommon to hear people claim that they are feeling depressed when sad about the weather, or having anxiety when nervous about a test. Though statements like these may seem harmless, psychologists have stressed that the downplay of common mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety can have dangerous effects. 40% of Americans have been found to have self diagnosed with a mental illness online, even though studies have found that online diagnosis tests are only accurate one third of the time. Photo by Stefano Pollio on Unsplash Social media has also created a trend of glorifying mental and emotional problems and has begun to develop a mindset within teenagers that mental health problems are something desirable. An article by Big Think expresses that this mentality has come from a place of good intention by the creators wanting to destigmatize mental illnesses, but has taken a negative turn where mental health struggles are sometimes being downplayed. This is quickly becoming a dangerous problem, because it is leading young, impressionable minds to believe that they have a mental illness when they do not. It may also threatens the development and growth of those who truly are fighting a mental battle as it can take away their incentive to seek professional help and receive support. Having conversations about critical and relevant topics such as mental health is certainly important and could be a key way to minimize the mental health struggles of teens around the world. Nonetheless, there are limitations. There is a fine line between normalizating and sensationalizing - and the question can be asked as to whether are crossing this line at times. Our centuries-old struggle with mental illness has taken a new turn in the modern era and with new paths come new questions that need to be asked. Works cited: “‘Cyberchondria’: 40% of Americans Have Misdiagnosed Themselves Online.” Big Think, bigthink.com/health/self-diagnosis/. Becker, Raina. “Normalizing to Sensationalizing: The Evolution of Mental Health.” GoodTherapy.org Therapy Blog, 28 Apr. 2023, www.goodtherapy.org/blog/normalizing-to-sensationalizing-the-evolution-of-mental-health/. Larsen, Valerie. “We Need to Stop Normalizing the Idea That Everyone Struggles with Mental Illnesses.” The Evanstonian, 24 Sept. 2020, www.evanstonian.net/opinion/2020/09/24/we-need-to-stop-normalizing-the-idea-that-everyone-struggles-with-mental-illnesses/. McVay, Ellen. “Social Media and Self-Diagnosis.” Www.hopkinsmedicine.org, 31 Aug. 2023, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2023/08/social-media-and-self-diagnosis#:~:text=Increasingly%2C%20mental%20health%20professionals%20observe. World Health Organization. “Mental Disorders.” World Health Organization, 8 June 2022, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders. The Detroit Lions almost saved the city’s sporting reputation, but even they blew it from a massive lead against the 49ers. The Pistons, in the meantime, are standing out in the NBA for all the wrong reasons. By Gonçalo, Linus, Malcolm and Valerio The Motor City Detroit has not been well oiled enough recently. Not only have the sports teams suffered major losses but also the city itself. You might know it as the thriving Motor City of the 1920s that started with Henry Ford. But in 2023 the once great city went bankrupt. It has made a comeback since then, but will it ever be one of America’s top spots again? The city’s NFL team the Detroit Lions are one of only four teams that have never played in a Superbowl. They have some of the worst seasons on record, but were so close this year to making it to Las Vegas. They were 17 points up against San Francisco at halftime, yet still managed to blow that lead to eventually lose 34-31. And not only the Lions, but also the city’s NBA team the Pistons are pushing down the city’s reputation. You might be impressed to hear that they were able to set a new record this regular season, but this was for the joint longest losing streak in the history of the NBA with 28 consecutive losses. Here are some of the lowlights of this “unforgettable” season. It might be hard to imagine that the Pistons won the championship in 2004. But if this surprises you when you see the team today, you will definitely struggle to believe that they were the greatest rivals of Michael Jordan’s legendary Chicago Bulls team of the late 80s and early 90s. That Detroit team was named the Bad Boy Pistons for their never say die attitude with Isaiah Thomas - one of the greatest dribblers of all time - and Bill Lambieer. Then there was Mark Aguirre, a deadly shooting guard and small forward. The current line up of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivy, Bojan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and Jalen Duren might not be as well remembered as them in 30 years time. Over the last few seasons, The Detroit sports teams have mostly suffered loss after loss. The car industry will most likely never be the same as it was, but let’s see if one day the Pistons can go back to claiming NBA titles and the Detroit Lions can surprise the world even more by going one step further and reaching their first ever Super Bowl. Boredom is often perceived as a negative, meaningless state of being, when it is actually key for remarkable ideas. By Cora Philosopher Walter Benjamin saw boredom as “the dream bird that hatches the egg of experience. A rustling in the leaves drives him away." Yet, to keep from feeling bored in a line at a grocery store, when we are just sitting around, in traffic and in a million other voids of not having anything set to do, it is becoming our instinct just to reach for our phone in any gap of time to check messages and scroll news feeds. Boredom is a space when there is nothing for you to do, so you recede into your mind and just let it wander and explore - which is how many very intelligent people come up with brilliant ideas. Boredom is the time when puzzle pieces fit together and insights come to light that may never have even crossed your mind before. This is because your body goes into a kind of “autopilot” mode because it is running without your brain setting certain demands for it to follow. When we are bored, our filters are off and we are relaxed and calm after getting through the first little feeling of discomfort. After you get through it, it is like a pathway for novel new ideas and new ways of thinking. If you are more accustomed to feeling the emotion of boredom, it can help make you more creative and it can make you more intellectually smart. In these moments of deep thought your mind can begin to generate new ideas. Photo by Niklas Hamann on Unsplash When you are bored, you ignite a network in your brain known as the default mode. In this state, your mind wanders beyond consciousness and turns in on itself. In times when we are bored, we do something Manoush Zomorodi - author of Bored and Brilliant - terms autobiographical planning. This term describes the act of reflecting on our memories and past experiences. We identify the most significant moments and make something like a personal narrative for ourselves, and from there we make plans and goals of what we want to do or who we want to be in the future. This is when we identify what we must do to achieve these visions. It is a space to filter all the small details and information out and focus on the more important events in our lives. But this is easier said than done in the time of mobile digital technology always at our disposal and reach. We Generation Z’rs have lost a major part of our ability to focus on one thing for more than 8.25 seconds before our attention shifts to something else, according to research by Steven Zuaderer. In the new age of more advanced technology, the constant notifications, the endless social media updating, and infinite scrolling have made us lose a great amount of our ability to focus and be bored. Now we can all just open our phones and watch something to keep us from feeling boredom. Every time people shift their attention from one thing to the next, the brain has to make a neurochemical switch, which uses up many of its stored nutrients. Nowadays, we have grown accustomed to multitasking, but our brain can actually only focus on one of those things at a time and the idea of doing many things at once is just a myth. It instead has to be constantly switching from one thing to another, which depletes neural resources every time we multitask. But living in an age of social media our attention is always in different places, according to author of The Organized Mind Dr Daniel Levitin. Only a decade ago, we switched our attention every three minutes, yet now we change it every 45 seconds…all day long. The average person spends 2 hours and 24 minutes every day on social media and switches tabs on their computers more than 566 times every single day, according to Zomorodi. We always talk about how much bandwidth we have for online things but what about the capacity of our brains to take it all in. A lot of the things we learn can be useful, but sometimes just to feel bored and not need something always on will help us. We have lost a great deal of our ability to feel bored and just think, without needing a distraction. We have all lost so many amazing experiences we could have had, if only we let ourselves be bored to wade into the depths of our own brilliant minds, instead of scrolling meaninglessly, texting, and other things that consume our precious time. According to the Institute of National Health, boredom is an opportunity for self improvement and self awareness, which can improve your mental health. Photo by Niklas Hamann on Unsplash To test this theory of boredom and how it worked, I invited some of my classmates to sit in an empty room, and I stripped them of their phones and any distractions they may have had while in there. I wanted to make sure that I let the pathways to their ideas flow with nothing to stop them. Each research participant said that they had feelings of discomfort for the first few minutes in the room. Initially, their minds started jumping to different ideas. This is called the Monkey Mind in Buddhism where our thoughts wander and flow randomly. One student said, “At the start, it felt very boring but then my brain started to collect random thoughts.” Another said that they had no idea what to do so they just banged their head on the table because the thought of being bored was so outlandish. But as the experiment went on, the participants' minds started changing and after getting through the initial discomfort and uncertainty of what to do, their ways of thinking started to change. They started having more focussed thoughts. “I thought about how many leaves are on the outside” one student said. “Then I started to notice that I needed to focus more on my school career and how I should try to not get stuck with people that can distract me while I am working; how to improve my grades.” Ideas around life choices came up after being bored for less than 10 minutes. Beforehand, all the participants said they did not remember the last time they had been bored, but after they came out more aware of how to improve themselves and they came out with new ideas and ways of thinking. One said “when I was in the room with nothing to do, my brain was working a lot faster and clearer without any distractions.” This shows how important and crucial being bored can be. Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash We have let ourselves need something to fill voids of silence and times of boredom instead of embracing them. But it is not too late to change and start letting ourselves just think without being lured into the culture of social media platforms, gaming and everything else we have let ourselves give into like pawns.
The next time we feel bored I hope we start saying things like: “I am so bored, how amazing”, so we can understand and appreciate that being bored is actually a superpower. As novelist Milan Kundera so eloquently put it, "doing nothing was not boring - it was peace". We've all felt that effortless feeling of being in the zone. The questions are why does it feel so good and how can we tap into it more often? By Atharv Photo by Matt Hardy on Unsplash You know the feeling where work doesn’t feel like work? Where it whimsically flows and each action effortlessly follows through another. Where work feels like play. You’ve probably experienced this when you were so deeply ingrained in a task that it was the only thing that mattered. While running, I often find myself in a flow state where each step naturally follows the next and nothing else seems to matter. This is known as flow, considered the optimal state of being. Many of humanity’s breakthroughs have happened when people have been in flow. When Sam Altman and his team at OpenAI were coding ChatGpt; when Steven Jobs was designing the first ever Macintosh computer; when Albert Einstein finally figured out the theory of relativity. They were all harnessing the power of flow to pull off these seemingly superhuman feats that drove humanity forward. Who wouldn’t want to feel this way as often as possible? Mihály Csíkszentmihályi (pronounced: “MEE-hy CHEEK-sent-mee-HAH-yee”), known as the godfather of flow, extensively studied this state of flow. Csíkszentmihályi described flow as “a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that people will continue to do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.”. Flow is a paradox in the sense that time seems to stop as you don't notice it passing and yet you’re as immersed in time as it is possible to be. You’re truly present. This is deeply interconnected with mindfulness as multiple studies show the sheer importance of being present and in the moment. Flow allows for exactly this, along with heightened performance and awareness. Flow can occur in a wide range of activities, from sports to music to work. It is not a static state, but a dynamic one that requires the perfect balance between the level of skill and the level of challenge. When the level of skill is too high, anxiety and stress can occur, while when the level of skill reqiuired is too low, boredom and apathy can occur. Flow is the perfect middle ground. Csíkszentmihályi believed that slightly extending past your ability is the perfect way to cultivate flow, which links with the zone of proximal development. However, flow is increasingly harder to achieve in our distracting, multitasking modern world. The question now becomes: how can we achieve flow when we are constantly opening up new tabs or getting notifications pinged to our phones? To create an environment especially designed to cultivate flow, focus on making it easier for yourself to get into flow rather than indulging in less productive activities. This can be done by the use of friction in two different ways. Firstly, using flow as a deterrent where you create friction between you and the goal detracting behavior. For example, frequently checking social media while working; if the apps aren’t at your fingertips and you need to log in through a browser, this adds an extra step which creates a pause between the urge to check social media and the satisfaction of doing it. It’s like placing a small speed bump on a road where it’s not going to stop you, but it will make you slow down and think. We’ve seen how adding friction can be helpful but what about removing it? This can be done by removing the obstacles between you and the work you need to complete. If you work in a coffee shop, you have to first find the right coffee shop, go into the coffee shop, make sure there is a spare seat, open your laptop, connect to the WiFi, order a coffee, and then finally you can hit the keys and start the work. These little annoying bits of friction make it that much harder to actually work.
The key is to remove friction and use it as a catalyst to start working. A good option would be to always keep your computer open at your desk with your task list already ready from the night before where you only need to tap one key to get started. By thoughtfully controlling friction in our environment we can nudge our brains into encouraging the behaviors that fit with our goals and discouraging behaviors that block us from them. Writing this article was a flow experience in itself, a state where I was able to cultivate true focus from the mind. As Cal Newport states, “to remain valuable in our economy you must master the art of quickly learning complicated things. This task requires deep work. If you don’t cultivate this ability, you’re likely to fall behind as technology advances.” In other words, we need to be able to flow to get things done well. So, how will you make your own time to make time stop today? Learning piano is not just about putting your fingers in the right place; research shows it helps us develop our brains and raise our spirits. By Ama Did you know there are many benefits from learning to play the piano? Research from The University of Bath suggests that playing piano helps reduce anxiety, loneliness, stress and depression, as well as improving the way the brain handles multisensory information. The University's Cognitive Psychologist and Music Specialist Dr Karen Petrini points out how "learning to play an instrument like the piano is a complex task...the findings from our study suggest that this has a significant positive impact on how the brain processes audio-visual information." UK classical music radio station Classic FM also focusses on the power of the piano with an infographic it published in 2022, which puts together findings from different studies. It is incredible how many things are going on when someone plays this instrument! So, I recommend you start learning piano today! If you're looking for a place in Maputo to learn piano, or other instruments, or even how to sing, you should go to the Conservatory and Performing Arts Center called Musiarte. Musiarte is located in the Maputo downtown area next to Fortaleza. Some of the musical instruments they teach are piano, violin, guitar, ukulele, and xylophone. They also have a chorus, concerts, and other cool stuff such as dramatic art and opera. The age range is 3 years to adult. When I first started at Musiarte in September 2022, I was completely lost and had no idea how to read music or play the piano. However, as the months went by I started to get familiar with music theory. When you start playing an instrument you are assigned a book based on how well you play and how much you know about music theory. In case you don’t know what music theory is, according to avid.com it is ”the study of the fundamental elements that construct and govern the language of music, including notes, scales, chords, rhythm, melody, harmony, and form.” Photo by Jonathan Chng on Unsplash In order to learn an instrument you need to practice for at least 5 minutes daily, but 20 minutes is expected every day. Persevere through every song that is difficult until you finally get it. You may wonder what you need to do to learn piano. The experts from Hoffman Academy say ”it’s a decision you make every single day when you choose to practice.”
I would thoroughly recommend Musiarte because the teachers are very disciplined, but also kind, and patient. If you don’t understand an assignment or have difficulty playing a piece of music they will help you until you understand. The teachers give you feedback based on what you need to work on so you get better each time and are able to move on. If you are in a group lesson, the teacher will give attention to everybody in the class. If you are wondering when to do the classes, they are open every day except Sunday. I hope I have convinced you to learn piano. Research highlights what a great move this would be. The piano was invented around the year 1700. Imagine how many people's brains it has developed since then! You should make yours the next one. It's time to hit the keys. As a real-world extension to an I&S project on the historical narrative of coffee, AISM student journalists visited the Barista Coffee Roasters in Marracuene and found out there is much more to the coffee they roast and sell than meets the eye. Their mission to grow the coffee industry here in our host country, which will galvanise the work of local women farmers and future generations of their families. By Alex, Molly and Bilane Last week the Buffalo Blog visited El Barista Coffee Roasters to speak to husband and wife team Riana and Jenaro Lopez, who run the roastery and coffee shop. Riana is the Chairperson at MCC Mattioli Coffee Company SA (which includes coffee brands Cafè Vumba and Cafè de Manica) and Jenaro is President of Amocafe and Managing Director of Café de Manica. Coffee is roasted, packaged and sold at the coffee shop, but produced in Manica Province in the north of the country, with women farmers taking centre stage. Manica province is one of the only areas in Mozambique that can cultivate and nurture the growth of coffee beans. The green beans are brought from Manica and roasted in-house at El Barista. “We wanted to set up something that would help communities”, says Riana Lopez, as she talks about the goals of the coffee project. “Coffee is a way to provide a crop that can sustainably improve their lives and their families' lives.” Riana makes the point that “without these women we would have no business and without this business these women would have a less sustainable future for their family.” The women are given enough seedlings to plant one hectare (enough for 2500 trees) and are then given more as they harvest more. Each woman knows that the longer and harder they work, the larger the profit they will earn, since there are given guarantees that their beans will be bought. The first time they harvest will only come after two or three years, but then the amount doubles every harvest after that. Riana and Jenaro do not plan on stopping here and are setting their sights high for the Mozambican coffee industry as a whole.
“We would like to export Mozambican coffee. Coffee drinkers are excited about a new origin...and in five years, we will have a large amount of coffee that will go beyond the local market”, says Riana. But does Mozambique have what it takes to be a major player in the global coffee market? According to the team at Barista, it does: “You have a big enough area to plant in, enough people to plant and in five years people will see that this is a product that can be cultivated in this country and people will give value to it.” Mozambique is set to become the next big player in the coffee industry. Watch out Ethiopia, Mozambique won't be behind the scenes for too much longer! In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, where a global pandemic pushes theaters to the brink of death but brings life to an age of online streaming, and where the interest of the audience comes and goes with trends, a unique phenomenon emerged with the release of 2 groundbreaking films, Barbie and Oppenheimer, being released on the same day. The unexpected fusion of these two highly anticipated films gave birth to Barbenheimer, a cinematic marvel that not only captivated audiences worldwide but also played a pivotal role in restoring a person’s excitement about coming back to the cinema. By Jaya Photo by Belkaa Photographer on Unsplash In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, where a global pandemic pushes theaters to the brink of death but brings life to an age of online streaming, and where the interest of the audience comes and goes with trends, a unique phenomenon emerged with the release of 2 groundbreaking films, Barbie and Oppenheimer, being released on the same day. The unexpected fusion of these two highly anticipated films gave birth to Barbenheimer, a cinematic marvel that not only captivated audiences worldwide but also played a pivotal role in restoring a person’s excitement about coming back to the cinema. Oppenheimer: A Masterful Cinematic Odessy into the story of the man who became the destroyer of worlds Oppenheimer is a fascinating biopic of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the man who invented the atomic bomb, directed by the masterful director Christopher Nolan. Oppenheimer is truly a masterpiece in the realm of cinema that transcends visual storytelling, defying new boundaries of practical effects. This film effectively uses masterful camera techniques, delivers gripping dialogue, and uses powerful music scores to create emotional and memorable scenes that have surpassed the expectations of millions around the world. In the world of cinema, Oppenheimer has emerged not just as a film but as an enduring work of art, a testament to the profound impact that storytelling through visuals can have on an individual and its ability to move an audience. I myself still remember walking out of the cinema and being absolutely stunned from watching Oppenheimer as it was one of the greatest film experiences I have ever had and I was truly moved after watching the film. From the breathtaking silence of the atomic bomb detonation to the final scene when Oppenheimer confesses what he has created, the film left me stunned and had me thinking about it weeks after. Beyond the Dream House: Barbie's Cinematic Success and the Art of Captivating a New Generation Barbie(2023), directed by Greta Gerwig, has become a cultural phenomenon and is arguably already one of the most talked about films of the decade so far. The film's most profound impact was how it has successfully captivated an entire new generation of audiences by using its innovative storytelling, modern themes, vibrant setting, and an extremely catchy soundtrack. The filmmakers took a bold approach by reimagining Barbie as a dynamic and relatable character, breaking away from traditional stereotypes which made the film surpass the audience’s expectations. The story of the film effectively promotes diversity, female empowerment, self-acceptance, and the importance of individuality, which was able to be communicated to audiences of all ages. Barbie’s impact extends beyond the screen, influencing toy sales, fashion trends, and inspiring a new wave of creative expression among its young audience. This modern adaptation has even successfully revitalized the Barbie brand, turning it into a relevant and influential force for the current generation. Not only has the film brought a new generation of audience to the cinema, but brought an audience of all ages back to the cinemas. I have already seen Barbie 3 times in the cinema which might seem a lot, but it was able to bring back a feeling of nostalgia that I haven’t had in years when I always went to the cinema as a kid. The Monumental Impact of “Barbenheimer” and How It Has Revived the Big Screens Although it is not noticed by most, the unimaginable phenomenon of “Barbenheimer” has had one of the most important impacts in modern cinema in how it has revitalized movie theatres and has brought back the fun of seeing a movie in the cinema with your friends. According to Wikipedia, “The Barbenheimer phenomenon was credited with boosting interest in the films, with a total of 79% of tickets sold over the weekend (52% for Barbie and 27% for Oppenheimer) being for the two films, a total of 18.5 million people.” Barbie and Oppenheimer together have grossed over $2 Billion already and have revived many movie theatres that were no longer profitable after the pandemic. Audiences of toddlers, young children, teenagers, adults, film critics, and ages of all kinds were coming back to the cinema just because of Barbenheimer. It is truly beyond comprehension how monumental of a blessing the phenomenon of “Barbenheimer” has given to the big screens. I believe that because of it, the era of going to movie theatres has finally made its popular return and it will once again create the cherished memories we have all missed. This year in Language & Literature class, Grade 6 students have started film analysis for the first time. Here is my comparative essay that compares the classic story To Build A Fire’ by Jack London with its 2018 film version. By Ameet Photo by Kalen Emsley on Unsplash To Build a Fire was written by American writer Jack London in 1908. It can be read online here. In 2018, FX Goby directed an animated version of the story, which you can watch below (12:59 mins). To Build A Fire is a short story by Jack London about a man who travels through a little-traveled trail “on a gloomy day.” During the journey, he faces lots of danger and eventually dies. Fx Goby directed an animated film version of the story in 2018 that depicted the same story but in a film version. Both authors emphasize that you should act smart and not foolish especially when dealing with nature. The film version, however, doesn’t include some important details from the story like the man’s psychological journey. To depict the setting of the story, the author uses symbolism to show the lack of hope. He does this by using the phrase, “No sun or promise of sun.” On the other hand, to depict the setting of the film, the film director uses an extreme long shot to show the vast emptiness and isolation of the trail. Secondly, the author of the short story uses listing to highlight the dangerous trail. This is shown by the list, “The distant trail, no sun in the sky, the great cold.” Similarly, the film director uses a non-diegetic scary sound to emphasize the danger. Thirdly, the short story’s author uses the phrase, “Unbroken white,” to show vast loneliness and isolation. This also suggests that no footsteps can be seen on the snow, which highlights that no one else is foolish enough to walk through the trail. In the film, the director uses a Dutch angle shot to show the steepness of the trail. Lastly, the author uses anaphora (repetition) to emphasize cold. He does this by repeating the phrase, “Fifty degrees below zero,” whereas the film uses an over-the-shoulder shot to show the dangerous journey ahead. Photo by Francisco Perez Carrasco on Unsplash To depict the protagonist (the man), the short story uses short sentences (syntax) to show that the man is blasé and reckless. This is achieved by using the sentence, “This fact did not worry the man. He was not alarmed by the lack of sun.” However, the film uses an extreme close-up shot to show how cold the man is/how the cold has affected the man. Secondly, the author of the short story uses a tricolor to show the man’s confidence. He does this by using the sentence, “It would be a little after dark, but the boys would be there, a fire would be burning, and a hot supper would be ready.” In the film, the diegetic sounds of the fire, branches, water, etc. are used in the middle to escalate danger. Thirdly, the author uses alliteration to make the point stronger. This is evident in the phrase, “Until reassured by the returning warmth,” which shows how the fire has given the man a life-saving lifeline. The film version, however, uses a tracking shot to show the man’s confidence when he is walking upright. Lastly, the short story uses repetition to highlight a key motif. This is done by repeating the phrase, “He would eat lunch,” which suggests that the man is hungry from the long hike. In the film, the director uses pacing (editing) to slow things down when the man dies. This shows that the long dangerous journey has finally come to an end. This also suggests that man has gone through a lot (being hungry), but in the end, nature has won.
In conclusion, the man finally realizes his mistakes, regrets them, and dies in the end. The final message is to act smart and not foolishly, especially when dealing with nature. The film kept the theme but didn’t include some major details like the man’s psychological journey. They both (the film and the story) are similar to an extent, but the story focuses more on the man, whereas the film doesn’t and focuses more on the setting. As the effects of climate change continue to increase in severity, our world is beginning to face issues which go further than just rising temperatures and floods. Here are 3 ways in which our world's climate crisis is affecting culture, customs and traditions around the world. By Laia Photo by Christian Joudrey on Unsplash Vacation Culture A vacation on the Mediterranean coast, on an island like Hawaii or in an adventurous spot in south east Asia, is to most a dream, but one that climate change is causing to die. Over the past couple of years, a shift in tourism has been found around the globe, as the rapidly increasing effects of climate change have become more dire. With top tourist destinations becoming too hot, catching fire and even beginning to sink, travelers around the world have begun to find new spots to travel to. This is leaving countries which used to receive an influx of tourists every season, beginning to find themselves lower and lower on people's bucket list. A more severe example of this is Hawaii, one of the world's hottest vacation spots, and currently in a more literal than figurative sense. Since the fires which ravaged the island in early August, a large drop in tourism has been seen, specifically in Maui. Locals on the island of Hawaii have been complaining about the burdens that over tourism has brought along for several years. Though the same can not be said for the many other top tourist spots in the world - especially ones with economies that thrive off of foreign visitors. Photo by Nicolai Berntsen on Unsplash Skiing going downhill For many countries in the northern hemisphere, skiing is not only a sport or a leisure activity, it is a lifestyle. But as earth's temperatures increase, and snowfall becomes more and more scarce, skiing culture is beginning to change, and for many, beginning to die. According to the Washington post, many ski resorts in the United States, Europe and even Asia, have begun to use fake snow machines, using electrically frozen water to replicate snow. These machines are being integrated into ski resorts to make up for the lack of snow in the mountains, but many skiers feel as if it is breaking the rules, and have rejected the idea, leading to many ski resorts having to close down. This includes the Tigres alpine resort in France, which has experienced a severe amount of snow loss over the past decade. This is as most skiing sports in the Alps rely on glaciers to provide snow as well as water, making the rising temperatures a threat to a large number of resorts in the region. With sports such as skiing and snowboarding, which are so dependent on climate, beginning to fall on a rapid decline, it is not rash to wonder whether they will still exist in a few decades time. Photo by Thomas Marban on Unsplash Fish culture in Japan
Japan is undoubtedly notorious for their bright culture and traditions, and it is no different when it comes to their love for fish. This is likely why the country has been one of the top consumers as well as exporters of seafood in the world for decades. From their sushi to their fried tempura, Japan is renowned for their love of eating from the sea. Though with rising sea temperatures at an all time high, and a drastic change in ocean lifes population and migration habits due to climate change, Japan has begun to feel the effects of our earth's crisis, and now, it's hitting in their stomachs, and for many, their bank accounts as well. The country's fish catch hit an all time low in 2022, dropping by 7.3% from the previous year, and it has only been going downwards since then. This change has not only affected Japan culturally, but economically, as the decrease in supply has caused prices to increase. Now, what has been a standard product in the average Japanese household for centuries, is beginning to turn into a cost, which soon may become a luxury rather than a staple. Our world is at an ever changing point in time, with each day bringing new discoveries and changes; ones both good and bad. Cultures and traditions are the sacred foundations of our world, and arguably what keeps our societies together and running. But the times are telling, and the effects of climate change are beginning to beg the question: Is wealth, development and technology worth not only the cost of our planet, but of our values? Works Cited
Lions are key to keeping a balanced number of different animals and are apex predators. This means they play a crucial role in our environment, yet they are hunted by us humans every day. Some believe this has its benefits. By Polly Photo by Keyur Nandaniya on Unsplash In only two decades the lion populations in Africa have decreased by nearly 50% and only 20,000 remain in the wild today. Lions are quietly going extinct. There is an urgent need to address the threats facing these big cats before it’s too late. One of the main threats lions face is the destruction of their habitat. As our population is expanding, agricultural land and human settlements are also rapidly spreading. The change in land use from humans leaves lion populations isolated, reducing their habitats as well as the habitats of the species lions usually prey on. But there is another major issue, the silent killing of lions daily: lion hunting. Illegal or not, hundreds of lions get killed every year, for our own benefit or amusement. There are several ways in which hunting negatively affects the species themselves and even our environment. Hunting targets specific lions, usually those with valuable genetic traits, which will lead to a decrease in genetic diversity within lion populations., creating further detrimental side effects such as deadly diseases and major environmental changes as lions are apex predators. Because lions are fundamental to our wildlife, the decline of lion populations will impact other species within their ecosystems, ultimately changing predator-prey dynamics. Photo by Pawan Sharma on Unsplash The darkest side of lion hunting is that trophy hunters will often only want in-demand body parts such as teeth, heads and other valuable bones. Once the desired parts are cut off, the lion will be left behind headless, proving that hunting always involves inhumane and cruel methods causing great suffering to the animals. Although lion hunting has horrible impacts on animals, the environment and therefore even us, there are individuals with different, controversial opinions about the crisis. Hunters will pay tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for the opportunity to hunt these species. A portion of this money will often go to local communities in the area. If the money isn't donated, trophy hunting will generate jobs for local citizens, thus creating chances of a better life for many families. The most convincing point supporting the need for this lion poaching is connected to Conservation Funding. Oxford Scientist David MacDonald, a man who has been studying lions for many years, has come to the conclusion that trophy hunting may aid the conservation of lions. MacDonald claims that the largest threat to these species is their destruction of habitat and strictly regulated lion hunting could offer financial benefits, thus preventing further habitat destruction. The money gained through these legal hunting activities may generate financial resources for wildlife parks and other conservation areas. These places will then be able to utilize the funds for a good cause, such as habitat protection and anti-poaching initiatives, benefiting not just lions but whole ecosystems. What happens without this kind of funding? In the end it is our choices and actions that have the power to support or terminate these cruel, possibly beneficial activities, impacting not only the lives of these animals but ultimately our environment and planet. Moral arguments compete with financial ones when it comes to lion hunting. As their numbers continue to dwindle, it is becoming more and more urgent that we find sustainable, effective ways to end this crisis. Is killing really the way to stop death? Works cited:
From historical biopics to directors who have changed the course of modern-day film-making, it is fair to say that history has made its comeback to the silver screen By Vihaan Photo by Noom Peerapong on Unsplash Most people are aware of the release of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023) over the summer. It garnered praise from fans and critics alike. Oppenheimer attracted audiences like moths to light, ending its theatrical run as the highest-grossing biopic in history. Likewise, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) recent release already has some calling it his best work yet. That’s immense praise for the same man who directed Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, The Departed, and countless other masterpieces. There is also much anticipation for the release of Ridley Scott’s Napoleon which comes out on the 22nd of November. The common trend between these highly regarded films is that they are all about events that happened a minimum of 50 years ago. Now the question arises, why? Why are these historical films appealing to modern audiences? Well, it may be attributable to a combination of the revolutionary and influential minds of the directors who made these films, the history itself, as well as the culture around cinema today. Starting with Scorsese and Killers of the Flower Moon, which outrageously is still not yet in cinemas in Mozambique despite being released close to a month ago. Regardless, Killers is making headlines globally for a multitude of reasons. Namely, it is director Martin Scorsese who is unequivocally one of the best directors of his era. An era that actually transcends generations as there is a point that his generation was the 1970s and 80s, then came the 90s and 00s, or the 10s and 20s that we are in now. Each decade is filled with at least two Scorsese hits. Seemingly what allures audiences isn’t completely the film itself; rather it's the prospect of watching a Scorsese film. The fact that we are witnessing the work of an absolute artist is what draws in viewers. The comparison can be made to those who watch Inter Miami football matches. It is not for football but rather for Messi; only in this case both film and filmmaker are equally brilliant. When mentioning the best directors of all time, Kubrick and Hitchcock are among the few names that can be placed alongside Martin Scorsese. The next factor of Killers that piques audiences’ interest is of course the source material. Having read David Grann's Killers of the Flower Moon it is with utmost certainty that one can in fact assert that the story is as emotionally evocative as it is a gripping read. Too often Native American stories are left untold in Hollywood. In reality, when the topic of Native Americans in Hollywood is brought up it is not Native American cinema and acting that is considered. Instead the most famous Native American in Hollywood history is Sacheen Littlefeather. Yet she is not known for her acting but for declining the 1973 Oscars Best Actor on behalf of Marlon Brando as a protest to the mistreatment of Native Americans. In Killers of the Flower Moon, the tale of the harsh exploitation of the Osage people is heart-breaking yet it also stands as a message to the next generation as to how such atrocities can be covered up at all levels of government. Furthermore, it is unique to explore these themes of distrust and trauma in the setting of 1920s Oklahoma, US, a period and location not frequently highlighted in cinema. This is all put forth in a murder mystery-style film that retains a Western motif. The other aspect of observing what lures viewers into seeing these nearly four-hour dramas boils down to what's available in the theaters today. Oppenheimer marked the resumption of post-Covid box office success for drama and biopics. Killers of the Flower Moon continued it. Right now cinemas around the world are cluttered with an array of unnecessary high-budget yet low-quality remakes/reboots or Marvel movies which Scorsese described as “theme park” films. On top of that, films have begun being streamlined to directly streaming platforms in part due to COVID-19. Thus the classic theater experience appeared to be slowly fading away. Nevertheless, this trend was shaken up by the unprecedented success of Barbie and Oppenheimer (see Jaya’s article for more). Specifically on Oppenheimer, what made witnessing it in the theater so special was the impact of IMAX and how Nolan explicitly detailed the necessity of seeing it in IMAX. The same could be said for Barbie, that it was a film to see with people and enjoy theatres. In the same vein, Killers of the Flower Moon is a historical film about issues not really touched on by Hollywood and it is plausible that a new historical topic is what has piqued the interest of audiences to go see it in theatres. Moreover, it is evident that others are of the same opinion which is in fact an explanation as to how historical epics are once again becoming the trend of the times. This is when the reader might wonder what “once again” means, as it implies that historical epics were previously also a tremendously popular genre. That assumption would in fact be correct. Let's set the stage back to the early 2000s when the genre of “historical” epics reign supreme. Some box office favorites were Wolfgang Peterson’s Troy (2004) and Zack Snyder’s 300 (2006), but there was one director whose work was by far and away considered superior to its competition: Ridley Scott. This is a director whose films defined the term historical epic. Be it a gritty historically accurate film about life for the British Navy in Master and Commander: Far Side of the World (2003) or a film that lived up to the genre of epic and didn't completely stick to historical accuracy in Gladiator (2000), Scott left an unerasable mark on naughties cinema. In fact, as the Guardian’s film writer Steve Rose also claimed, it was Gladiator that kick-started the influx of “historical” films in that era. Scott then moved on to other genres such as science fiction with Prometheus (2012). Yet now he makes his triumphant return to the genre of historical epics in which he had a vital role over two decades ago. Napoleon hits cinemas this week. Based on trailers alone, an assertion can be made that Scott’s mastery over his craft has not diminished in the slightest. Most are familiar with Napoleon Bonaparte, though some more than others. His story is of course immortalized in history as the most successful general of all time. Nevertheless, a new film always brings with it a new perspective and a new facet of who Napoleon was. Besides that, what made Gladiator so unique was its use of realistic CGI, a novelty at the time and objectively something lacking in today's cinematic landscape. So there is the interesting question of how Scott will implement much more capable CGI into his film. Once again there is a need to reiterate how Napoleon will come at a time when we have been overrun with an assortment of fairly mediocre films. In essence, it appears that the Historical Epic will be the genre of the second half of 2023. Coming from the minds of some of the best directors of our time there is little doubt that these films will be well received. In addition, there are still plenty of other historical films that were released this year such as Bradley Cooper’s biopic on legendary composer Leanard Bernstein in Maestro as well as Sofia Coppola's fresh take of Priscilla Presley's relationship with famed star Elvis Presley in Priscilla. Another slightly unknown upcoming release is Michael Mann’s Ferrari about Enzo Ferrari and his family life alongside the fate of his company. Or even in sports, next month Sean Durkin's biopic on the Von Erich brothers in wrestling The Iron Claw comes out. Audiences appear to adore the jump back into the past with films that vary wildly in terms of stylistics. Ranging from Western mysteries, war dramas, racing action, music, romances, and sports they all offer something new and flavorful to a recently bland uninspired line of films. It is fair to say the past has never been so present in film. So which of this assortment of films are you most excited to see?
Manchester United is often regarded as one of the best clubs in the world, but increasingly only by its own fans. By Atharv Photo by Nat Callaghan on Unsplash It’s 1999, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has just scored the winning goal of the Champions League final and Manchester United just can’t stop winning. They have won 5 Premier league titles, 5 Charity Shields, 5 FA Cups and an Intercontinental Cup in the last 7 years alone. Alex Ferguson is having the time of his life guiding United to these titles as a coach. And they go on to win another Champions League, 8 Premier League titles and another FA cup in his remaining tenure as a coach. In one of his last years as a coach he was asked if arch-rivals Manchester City would ever go into a derby as favorites. He said “not in my lifetime." Well, Sir Alex is still alive and now City are favorites every single time. Manchester United have had a shambolic start this season, already racking up embarrassing losses against Copenhagen, Newcastle, Tottenham, Galatasaray, Crystal Palace and Brighton not even a third of the way into the season. They currently sit bottom of their Champions League group and with 9 points from their 7 Premier League games, this was the worst start to the season in any of their 31 seasons in the competition. Things simply couldn’t be more distorted for manager Erik Ten Hag. Manchester United is the self-styled biggest club in the world which at the moment seems laughable. The fans are living in denial (who can blame them?), reliving their past glory. When a club is sinking, the standard practice is always to sack the manager. But is it the right answer to the crisis of Manchester United? The hierarchy, manager and players have all come across intense criticism the past few years but who is it that Manchester United fans should blame for the abysmal performances week in, week out. The Manchester United players lack coherence while playing together and seem out of place which is due to the squad being put together by multiple managers. Erik Ten Hag is the 5th permanent manager to try to bring some order to the chaos since Sir Alex’s departure in 2013. The hierarchy has completely failed in implementing a long term player and development strategy. Players like Antony, who was brought in at $100 million including variables, are often only introduced in the match in the dying minutes and have no notable contribution. Mason Mount, brought in at $76 million, hasn’t even scored a goal this season in 576 minutes of playing time. Photo by Colin + Meg on Unsplash Moreover, the possible scenario of Sir Jim Radcliffe buying a 25% stake in the club doesn’t immediately threaten Erik Ten Hag’s position but he will look for changes in the club’s football operations and management. Radcliffe’s reported inclination towards paying a substantial sum of money for a minority share suggests that he may look to influence various aspects of the club. This could potentially alter Ten Hag’s power and decision making ability as Radcliffe might have his own view of the future and look to make his own appointments in vital positions. Additionally, the appointment of a new CEO, reportedly planned by Radcliffe, could also impact the hierarchy of the club, potentially affecting Ten Hag’s role.
The frequent change of managers disrupts continuity and long term project building. This constant revolving door prevents a team from developing its unique playing style and squad identity. Ultimately, players have come and gone, the managers have come and gone but the board has stayed. The majority owners - the Glazer family - are deeply unpopular with United fans for the way they have leveraged the club to pay off their debts and seem to be fine with the club being no more than mediocre in its on-field performances. Ultimately, it is through decades and decades of mismanagement that the future of such a historical club hangs on numerous ifs and buts. The past was glorious, the present a mess, so what of the future? Ever wondered where hope finds its address? Join me on a journey to the heart of compassion as we explore a day at the orphanage: where every child is a testament to the power of love. by Charbelly Last Saturday marked a day of warmth, laughter, and shared moments as a group of students from AISM embarked on a visit to the Missão de São José orphanage. Located in the heart of Maputo, Mozambique, this home run by the dedicated Salesian brothers of Dom Bosco, provides love and care to over 37 male children between the ages of 12 and 15. The students, part of the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) learning service program, set out with the intention of bringing smiles and joy to the children’s faces. The day began with spirited games of volleyball and futsal, where the students joined forces to experience the fun aspects of being united through sports. Laughter echoed across the court as cheers of encouragement filled the air, fostering a sense of unity among the diverse group. Through shared sports activities, the students not only engaged in physical play, but also built meaningful connections with the young residents of the orphanage. As the day unfolded, the students further demonstrated their commitment to making a positive impact by generously donating snacks to the orphanage. The children expressed their gratitude with smiles that spoke volumes, emphasizing the significance of these simple, yet heartfelt gestures. The positive experience left a lasting impression on the AISM students, sparking enthusiasm for future visits. Already in the planning stages, the students aspire to organize additional activities, aiming to continue fostering a supportive environment for the children and contributing to their overall well-being. Missão de São José stands as a beacon of hope and care in the heart of Maputo, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Salesian brothers of Dom Bosco. This Catholic religious order, founded by Saint John Bosco in 1859, is dedicated to the education and care of young people, with a global presence in over 130 countries. The AISM students invite others to join them in their mission to support Missão de São José. A heartfelt invitation is extended to all to participate in the next visit, where the collective aim is to continue spreading joy and compassion to the children at the orphanage. Together, let us contribute to the creation of lasting memories and meaningful connections that transcend the boundaries of circumstance, fostering a community of love and support for these young souls in need and, of course, learning so much from them also about their lives and ours.
Lights, camera, action! The 6th graders have been working their socks off in theater and exploring many different forms of live acting. Through this exploration they have created their own plays, performed, and let their imaginations roam wild. By Lana Performances During classes the 6th graders have been performing small skits and being insanely creative but the greatest performance feat so far has been developing their outlooks on social media through acting! In this play the 6th graders focused on the negative and positive aspects of social media and how it affects our daily lives. Through this performance they learned how to work together and more about stage etiquette, characterization, and the rehearsal process. Another skit the 6th graders performed was a murder scene. Each group created their own skit based on a tragic murder and performed it in front of the rest of the grade. These groups created scenes such as The Bloody Heel, The innocent Tiara, Glasses, Murder by Beanbag, The Fist, and Ax. These scenes showed their creativity and dark humor. One of the skits was Ax. In this skit the setting was based in a train where suddenly the characters find a dead body. Soon the cops arrive and they have to figure out who murdered who. It was compelling to watch! Games
In theater the grade 6s have played several different games, but a few favorites are King, Knights and Princesses and Hi Harry, Yes Harry, How you doing Harry? These are people's favorites because they get your body moving and are interactive. They help us get focussed in class and also allows students to have stronger connections with their classmates. Overall, the 6th graders have come very far in the theater world and they have continued to improve and show their impressive improv skills., talents in tall tale telling, character depth, and strong collaboration. Here's to a great rest of the year ahead. The increased influence of fossil fuels in football is slowly chipping away at the allure of the “beautiful game” and rapidly degrading our climate. by Vihaan Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash Many are unaware of the deep historical ties between football and oil companies. This relationship dates back to the 1950s when fossil fuel giants would invest large sums of money into football clubs through means of ownership and sponsorship. This is an ever-increasing practice that has continued to this day. Now, we live in an age where we are constantly fighting against climate change and its impact; be it hurricanes, tsunamis, or even drought. The fossil fuel industry is by far and away the most significant contributor to climate change. At this point, it seems a wise course of action to define some terms. Starting with fossil fuels, these are past organisms (hence fossils) that are extracted from the ground and burned to form energy sources (hence fuels). Fossil fuels have a devastating impact on the earth's atmosphere due to high carbon dioxide emissions and for close to 150 years it has been the world's number one power supply. Another important term is a football club owner. This is an individual or enterprise that buys a majority stake in a football club giving them decision-making power. To be a football club majority owner you must be ridiculously wealthy and have the financial ability to invest heavily into the club you buy. Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash Anyway, back to the issue at hand. At the moment the pressing issue for the football world is that its involvement with fossil fuels directly causes extreme damage to the environment and promotes an industry that is actively destroying our climate, yet it has spurred efforts to remove oil companies from the beautiful game. Firstly, by partnering with fossil fuel companies the football world is actively playing a role in deteriorating the climate. A prime example of this is the environmental impact of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Considered by some to be the best World Cup in recent history it was also the World Cup with the highest amount of carbon emissions. To be financially capable of hosting the tournament, Qatar sold around three billion barrels of crude oil which is equivalent to 928 million metric tons of carbon emissions. That figure is nearly impossible to wrap your mind around, but in an attempt to make the number comprehensible 928 million metric tons of emissions is what 201 million cars produce annually. If major football organizations such as FIFA continue to select oil-reliant states like Qatar to host major tournaments then it negates years of work to reduce global carbon emissions. Moreover, is the cost of an entertaining World Cup worth close to a billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions? Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash Another key negative ramification of fossil fuels being involved with football is that it promotes a harmful industry. Now in the past, the tobacco industry was a big sponsor of various sports including football. Nevertheless, when it became apparent that smoking was a dangerous activity that caused irreversible damage to the lungs it was not long before tobacco was booted out of sports. Similarly, it is well-documented that fossil fuels are detrimental to our climate. Yet, there has been no apparent action by footballing entities to remove the oil and gas industry permanently. Instead of combating climate change, the world's largest football league the Premier League in January 2022 announced its new partnership with Castrol Lubricants, a subsidiary of BP. According to Reuters, BP recorded a 28 billion dollar profit in 2022, contradicting claims of attempts to reduce oil and gas production by 2030. Furthermore, the Athletic received a statement from the Premier League stating that “The Premier League recognizes the need to take action on climate change and is committed to reducing its overall climate impact” which highlights the hypocrisy of footballing bodies. A claim to tackle climate change cannot be followed by a new partnership with one of the most prominent companies in the industry most responsible for the climate crisis. Without serious commitment from associations like the Premier League the football community can not say that they are dedicated to aiding the environment. Now, some may argue that owning football clubs gives little direct financial profit to fossil companies; therefore, they actually lose money by sponsoring teams. Whilst this point holds truth it does take into account the entire complexity of sponsorship deals. In reality, sponsoring a football club or in some cases a football competition means that the sponsor gains global recognition by way of shirt sponsoring, billboards, or even the name of a stadium. The most famous example would have to be the UEFA Champions League and Russian oil giant Gazprom. For years Europe's most prestigious football competition was sponsored by one of the most destructive oil companies; in addition to damaging the environment, it also has close ties with the authoritarian Putin regime. Even if a sponsor receives no direct profit from owning a club it still can promote its harmful image and gain public favor. Photo by Dima Solomin on Unsplash Despite the strong influence of fossil fuels in the football industry, there is a shimmer of hope. There have been countless clubs that are unshackling the beautiful game from the dark bonds of oil and gas companies. The most inspiring example is the case of Forest Green Rovers, a club in the fourth division of English football. The United Nations has even applauded the efforts of this club to reduce their Carbon footprint. The club runs solely on renewable energy and recycles eight percent of all water supply used. This also has a knock-on effect on the fans who have begun using electric vehicles and living sustainable lives. Since 2011 each spectator’s carbon footprint has decreased by 42 percent which is an astoundingly positive number. Is it possible for this to be the future of all football clubs? Whilst it is unrealistic to expect an immediate removal of any company related to fossil fuels from football overnight; it is not impossible to imagine a world where the beautiful game is untainted by oil. In the end that is the world that needs to arrive sooner rather than later if we want to aid in combating the ever-growing impact of climate change. Without some sort of response to fossil fuel companies in football, the game that is loved all around the world might soon become a puppet of an industry actively risking the future and current livelihoods of millions. Works Cited
Campelli, Matthew. “Would a Ban on Fossil Fuel Sponsorship in Sport Be Justified – or Feasible? – Sustainability Report.” Sustainabilityreport.com, 2019, sustainabilityreport.com/2019/05/16/would-a-ban-on-fossil-fuel-sponsorship-in-sport-be-justified-or-feasible/. Accessed 19 Sept. 2023. “Fossil Fuels.” Nationalgeographic.org, 2023, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/fossil-fuels/. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023. Goal. “Oil Money: Petrodollars, Man City, PSG & How Modern Football Is Fuelled by Mega-Rich Industry.” Goal.com, Goal.com, 24 Feb. 2019, www.goal.com/en/news/oil-money-petrodollars-man-city-psg--how-modern-football-is-fuelled-by-mega-rich-industry/k8rob5liyzrl1wr63osn57ytk. Accessed 19 Sept. 2023. Guardian staff reporter. “Football Must Do More to Tackle Climate Change: This Is How Clubs and Fans Can Help.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 6 May 2022, www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2022/may/06/football-must-do-more-to-tackle-climate-change-this-is-how-clubs-and-fans-can-help. Accessed 19 Sept. 2023. Mihajlo Vujasin. “How Much Does Qatar World Cup Cost in Crude Oil.” Balkan Green Energy News, Dec. 2022, balkangreenenergynews.com/how-much-does-qatar-world-cup-cost-in-crude-oil/. Accessed 12 Sept. 2023. Nestler, Stefan. “How Football Is Responding to the Energy Crisis.” Dw.com, Deutsche Welle, 17 Aug. 2022, www.dw.com/en/how-the-bundesliga-is-responding-to-the-energy-crisis/a-62837284. Accessed 19 Sept. 2023. “Ownership of a Football Club - Claims.co.uk TM.” Claims.co.uk TM, 12 Aug. 2018, www.claims.co.uk/knowledge-base/football-law/owning-a-football-club. Accessed 12 Sept. 2023. Reuters. “UEFA Cancel Gazprom Sponsorship Deal.” Reuters, 28 Feb. 2022, www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/uefa-cancel-gazprom-sponsorship-deal-source-2022-02-28/. Accessed 12 Sept. 2023. Thomson, Steve. “Soft Power: Why It Matters to Governments, People, and Brands | Brand Finance.” Brand Finance, 25 Feb. 2020, brandfinance.com/insights/soft-power-why-it-matters. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023. Voskoboynik, Daniel. “Fossil Fuels and Football - the World at 1°C.” Medium, The World At 1°C, 9 Mar. 2017, worldat1c.org/fossil-fuels-and-football-44cd6c216d3. Accessed 12 Sept. 2023. Walker, Ali. “UEFA Terminates Gazprom Deal.” POLITICO, POLITICO, 28 Feb. 2022, www.politico.eu/article/uefa-terminates-gazprom-deal/. Accessed 18 Sept. 2023. Whitehead, Jacob. “Exploring the Links between Football and the World’s Largest Fossil Fuel Companies.” The Athletic, 2022, theathletic.com/3747199/2022/11/06/football-fossil-fuels/. Accessed 12 Sept. 2023. “Why Is Sponsorship in Sport so Important?” Ucfb.ac.uk, 17 Oct. 2022, www.ucfb.ac.uk/news/why-is-sponsorship-in-sport-so-important/. Accessed 18 Sept. 2023. There are many outstanding players that have left a mark in the NBA and have changed the way basketball is played, making the sport so unique. For example Micheal Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, LeBron James and many more. These players motivate other junior players to get engaged in basketball not only to win, but also to experience losses and see past them as a team. Who will be the standout stars and teams this season? Who will become the legends of the future? Let’s take a look at how some of the main contenders for the NBA crown have kicked off. By Gonçalo, Linus, Malcolm and Valerio Who has had the best start? No surprise here, with the Denver Nuggets in the lead of the Western Conference. Can the champions hold their title and go all the way? As for the Eastern Conference, the 76ers are in the lead closely followed by the Celtics, who were also second last season. As for the Bucks, the champions of last season season’s Eastern Conformance, they have now fallen back into 4th place Player stats For the average points per game, Luka Dončić holds the record for the Mavericks with 32.6 points per game. On the other hand, Nikola Jokić has an average of 13.7 rebounds per game for the Denver Nuggets. While in the three point section Luka Dončić is only in second place after Stephen Curry from the Warriors. Meanwhile, the highest score for blocks this season is held by Anthony Davis from the Lakers, closely followed by Daniel Gafford from the Wizards. The teams Golden State Warriors The Golden State Warriors are an amazing team with Steph Curry, Chris Paul, Draymond Green and many more stars on their roster. They haven’t had the best start, however, with a record of 6 wins and 5 losses to put them in 7th place. This doesn't come as a big surprise since they finished 6th in the Western Conference last year with a record of 44 wins and 38 losses. This doesn't mean that they can't go all the way and steal the Denver Nuggets's championship. They have done it before! Denver Nuggets The Denver Nuggets are the current holders of the NBA crown, winning against the Celtics in the 2022-2023 finals, with their star player Nicola Jokic leading them to the top along with Jamal Murray. They are doing a great job in defending their title so far this season. They have a record of 8 wins and 2 losses and are currently in the lead in the Western Conference. Will their star players guide them to the top of the game again? Milwaukee Bucks The Bucks are off to a slow start this season. After their finish in fourth place last season, it might surprise people if they take the title this season. The Bucks have a streak of 5 but in all they have won six while their record on losses is 4 this season. Especially after the win against the current leaders in the Eastern Conference the 76ers, they are looking promising. Philadelphia 76ers The 76ers are off to a great start in the Eastern Conference with a record of 8 wins and 1 loss. Sadly for them, they lost to the Bucks 117 - 118, which was a big upset. Their star player Joel Embiid has led them to the top of the Eastern Conference, with 32.5 points per game. Can he keep it up and take the 76ers to the very top in the regular season and playoffs? Los Angeles Lakers The Lakers have had a slow start in the Western conference with only 6 wins and 5 losses, putting them currently 8th in the league. The team roster is packed with strong players, but they base their game too much around their star man Lebron James. Sometimes they play as a proper team and win games, but they will need to do this more often. All in all, the new NBA season has already had some outstanding wins, striking losses and amazing plays and it is probably full of more surprises. What do you think? Who do you think is going to win and make the trophy theirs in the 23-24 season? |
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