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The AAS Student Newspaper
Do Video Games Increase IQ?
Turn Essays
into Friends
The Penguin PressISSUE II April 2017
Max OzerovJournalist
Comic Books:A Window Into Time
Despite ever-increasing amounts of homework and continuously decreasing hours of sleep, millions of school-age kids choose to play video games daily. However, studies that have been conducted over the past few years, support the notion that playing video games can increase IQ levels, amounts of gray matter, and reaction time in the brain. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Stirling included 600 kids of ages ranging from 6 to 16. The kids were given a game called Jungle Memory, which involves 30 progressively challenging levels and targets the memory centers of the brain.
The subjects of the study played the game four times a week, for eight weeks, fifteen minutes at a time. The study reports that 90% of the students who participated, displayed substantial improvements in their abilities to solve verbal and mathematical problems. The same students showed substantial improvements in their IQ scores, with some scoring as many as 10 points more.
Another study from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, finds a similar trend between playing video games and benefitting intelligence. (Continued on page 3)
April 2017 // Page 1
Letter from the new Editors
The process of producing and publishing this issue of “The Penguin Press” was certainly a challenge with many amendments being made to the newspapers operation as a whole; with changes in leadership and the installation of multiple new communication and efficiency systems. However, in this time of change, our whole staff has pulled together in order to create a final product that we are all certainly proud to present. This month’s issue, then, is a testament to collaboration and to a group work ethic. It is representative of challenges overcome and our staffs determination to continue doing so.
As a result of the hard work put into the newspaper for this issue, we, the editors, would like to thank our staff for remaining engaged and diligent in our collective efforts- and hope that they continue to support “The
Continued (page 8)
2 6Earthquake
in ItalyThe Origin
of April Fool’s Day5
A Young Child Playing Video Games
73
ClubRecognition: Ambassadors
Teacher Spotlight: Boychuk
4Sc
hool
Life
Ashley Price and Sage McGhiePe
rspe
ctiv
es
Mon
thly
Top
ics
April 2017 // Page 2
How to Make an Essay Your Friend
Most people always sigh when they find out they have an essay due. But just what exactly makes them sigh every time? There is no doubt that when you have to write an essay you simply do not feel like it, due to other, more pleasing activities that come to mind. This of course, disrupts your thinking process every now and then.
You also want to do as little work as possible, meaning you are trying to balance the effort put in and the quality of the outcome; the grade. While this is all true, there is only one true reason that is stopping you from writing a fantastic essay: you excessively focusing on the external outcome, such as the grade or the teacher feedback. But why is that true? The answer is actually quite simple. Once your mind focuses on the outcome, it shuts down your subconsciousness, or in other words, your source of creativity. Once that outcome has been thought of, the creativity to write a great essay is terminated. This is why students believe
that writing essays is a difficult task; they focus too much on the outcome. So, what would happen if they were to not think of the outcome, but instead, enjoyed writing that same essay?
Well, instead of writing a good essay, it would be very beneficial to instead write an essay you and your readers will find interesting. It keeps you entertained enough to survive that exhausting period of time you have to write that essay and when it is done, you will really feel proud of the work you have done. Let your writing surprise you - if it surprised the writer then it is guaranteed to surprise the reader and the outcome will in almost every case be better. Something else that can be done to significantly improve the daunting essay writing is to ask yourself:
Practicals
“How can I have the most fun while writing this?” This works because if you ask yourself questions, your subconsciousness is working in the background to solve that question. This means that while writing, you will be thinking about how to have the most fun writing and how to experience it, bringing your motivation back. The same trick could work if you ask yourself, “What is the quickest way I can finish this?” Your subconsciousness will think ponder this and suddenly your essay will skyrocket to the end.
It is amazing how such a daunting task could be turned into a positive experience that will surely be beneficial. So the next time an essay is assigned, remember how to make the essay your friend and make the experience amazing. Remember, we should all be grateful for the gift of education that we have received. Some people in the world do not have access to our privileges. Even if you are completely unmotivated to finish that essay, even with these tips, remember that there are worse problems to have.
Igor KovacevicJournalist
Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Boychuk
Why did you choose to live in Moscow? “I think it was growing up in the 70s and the 80s with the Soviet Union and living in the west. Moscow was some place where you were never allowed to go and there was always the James Bond secretive spy stuff about the city and the country, so being able to live here now is kind of cool.”
Mr. Boychuk loves living in Russia, out of all of the countries he has lived in. Which is rather impressive seeing that he has resided in Canada, Haiti, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ethiopia and India. With Russia tying for his favorite alongside Ethiopia. “Russia reminds me of home a lot- it’s the same geography it’s the same temperature it’s almost the same line of latitude as where I grew up.”
Furthermore, since he does not have a car (which he is very happy about) he gets to walk around and discover Moscow, enjoying the city
Jane BondarenkoJournalist
(Continued on page 5)
April 2017 // Page 3
FeaturesDo Video Games Increase IQ? (Continued from Page 1)The subjects of the study played Super Mario 64 for half an hour, every day, for two months. As a result, the subjects found an average increase of 10% in their levels of gray matter. Gray matter is related to brain volume, and dictates how much information one can absorb at any point in time. Gray matter can also help with decision-making and sensory perceptions.
A study from the University of Rochester furthermore supports the idea that video games help with brain function. However, the study concludes that another
important factor is the type of video games that people choose to play. The researchers tested dozens of 18-25 year-olds who do not ordinarily play video games.
The researchers split them into two groups: one which will play 50 hours of Call of Duty; and another
Two Young Children focused on their
With summer right around the corner, here are the most spoken about trends from spring/summer fashion week which has already been covered earlier this year in press. current fashion has recently been branding itself as reinvented mundane silhouettes and patterns, which create a whole new texture and sense to clothing.
Trends of Summer 2017Walid JamilStaff Reporter
Fashion Corner
which will play 50 hours of The Sims 2. By the end of the study, those who played Call of Duty had increased their reaction times by as much as 25%, meanwhile those who played The Sims 2 had slowed down by as much as 10%.
If these three studies are to be believed, then students shouldn’t worry about playing video games on school nights. If they play the correct types of video games, they could possibly improve their performance in school and become smarter individuals.
Hot Hot PinkBalenciaga By Demna Gvasalia
Shoulder or Not?Saint Laurent By Anthony Vaccarello
Tea Party Fairytale Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld
This month Walid started his own club called “Librah Magazine”. Walid and his team will publish magazines about fashion trends and the newest art. Make sure to stay alerted for the clubs first publication.
If you would like to get inolved with the Librah Club you can contact
Walid Jamil at [email protected]
TULLE “DIOREVOLUTION”Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri
April 2017// Page 4
Club Spotlight
The AAS Ambassadors Service Club was established in 2013 by teacher and advisor, Ms. Francy. Since then, this group has been striving to improve living conditions in rural villages in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Poverty and lack of education in developing countries has been a recurring issue in this region. The Ambassadors believe that change occurs from small initiatives that can develop into life-changing actions. This club is essential to the AAS community, as it embodies the mission of love learning, respect self and others, and contributing as globally aware citizens.
Fundraisers have been initiated throughout the year to support sustainable global projects. In Pandamatenga, 200 mosquito nets have been installed in huts to protect families from the deadly malaria virus. Ambassadors made 300 bricks for a new kitchen for The Bread Lady, Ma Mishak, who has been supporting her granddaughter by baking bread since her daughter and husband passed away in 2014.
In Katamanda, Ambassadors have constructed a two classroom school block and are currently finishing construction on a new library, the first school library in the region. The starbucks
promotion in February raised enough funds to build a house for two of our volunteer teachers and their new baby. Construction will begin in July. Ambassadors have improved sanitation at YCTC by providing a restroom and shower for their volunteer house. They are also providing training opportunities through the construction of an auto mechanics bay. In 2015, the Ambassador’s began a food program in Zambia that continues to nourish Kamatanda’s youth through the planting of maize, ensuring each child has one meal per school day.
In Zimbabwe, Ambassadors are focused on individual acts of kindness at the Baobab School. Maria Fomina, the current president of the AAS Ambassadors, raised $1000 by asking friends to donate money instead of giving gifts on her birthday. This generous donation was for a student named, Eileen, whose late father, Mr. Gathered, was tragically killed in 2015. For the execs that knew Mr. Gathered, it was extremely important that his daughter Eileen be able to finish the education her father valued. Another child, Francis,
has struggled to learn because of severe hearing loss that made him unable to communicate with teachers and peers. Ambassadors provided bus fees and costs for dr visits and tests. This month he will receive the new hearing aids purchased by the group. Reading books were also funded for two special needs classrooms, which do not get as much recognition and attention as they deserve.
Recently, 31 students from the AAS Ambassadors were given the opportunity to visit these African communities and to tangibly see how their hard work and dedication have improved standards of living for its residents. On this service trip, 11 returning students were reunited with the children in the villages, and 20 new members bonded with the children for the first time. Together with the Wildtrak Safari’s Eco Lodge, the AAS Ambassadors held an environmental awareness day, where different age groups focused on various learning objectives, helping the villagers understand how to protect their environment.
(Continued on Pg. 5)
Madison Skoblo and Zara AkhbariGuest Writers
High-school Club Recognition: AAS Ambassadors
All around the world, April Fool’s Day (also known as All Fools’ Day) has been celebrated on April 1st since the 19th century, but it is not a public holiday. Thousands of people worldwide celebrate it by playing jokes or tricking others. Many argue that this day should not be celebrated, because it is used to deceive others, as they believe it is purely based on schadenfreude (malicious joy). This is not entirely true as most enjoy the 1st of April and some believe it is beneficial for one’s health, as laughter helps relieve stress.
Although the origins of this holiday are unclear, the Romans celebrated “Hilaria” on the 25th of March and some believe it could have been the origin of April Fools. Others believe that the first association of this sort of celebration has been noted in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” in 1392. Where in “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” a fox tricks a rooster and it is stated that it happened on “syn March bigan thritty dayes and two”. which probably meant 32 days after March, not the “32nd of March” - April 1st. Another possible origin of this holiday is the introduction of the Gregorian Calendar in 1582
April 2017 // Page 5
Teacher Spotlight
Julia PataJournalist
when people refused to celebrate New Year’s Eve on the 1st of January and continued to do so on the 1st of April. There are flaws in this theory, however, as the Gregorian Calendar was only introduced in England in 1752, while April Fool’s Day was already celebrated there.
Even if you don’t consider the 1stof April to be “April Fool’s Day” be careful as others may try to trick you!
Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Boychuk (Continued from Page 2)Jane BondarenkoJournalist
and meeting new people. “ Moscow is a gorgeous city, the buildings are fantastic and it is known to have the most green space of any capital city”. Last year, Mr. Boychuk walked an average of 20 km a day, however now he is down to 10 km a day. Mr. Boychuk’s motivation to walk this much are Caramel Macchiatos
from Starbucks. “I always try to find Starbucks…I went to 38 Starbucks in the city starting from my house”, “the furthest one I got to was 16 kilometers away, and I turn around and walk back.” Despite all of Moscow beauty, Mr. Boychuk’s favorite place to visit is still the Red Square, and the “little island behind St. Basil’s”. “Gorky Park is very nice as well”, as Mr. Boychuk loves
going to skate there in the winter. “Living in Moscow also allowed me to dress better… everybody dresses sharp, very sharp.” So now Mr. Boychuk cannot just walk around in shorts the way he used to before, “even my shorts were upgraded to make them looknice.”
The Origin of April Fool’s Day
The executive members of the group met with Silent Dropout students who are in danger of quitting school. They also met with students they have worked with for years at their secondary school in Kasane; and shared words of encouragement for these young learners embarking on the second phase of their education.Throughout the 2016-2017 school year, the Ambassadors have continued to grow and successfully execute their goals.
They continue to work locally with MPC and the Open Art Theater program to serve the community in which they live, supported the initiatives of other clubs on campus, and mentored Elementary School students through the ES Ambassadors program. Though each accomplishment is a sense of pride, the highlight of the year was definitely the Service Trip to Africa where they were able to impact the community and bond with the children they serve. If you are interested in being a part
of this life changing club, you can grab an application outside room 3105. Members must be in grades 10-12 and are expected to respect self and others, conduct themselves with academic integrity, and display exemplary conduct and integrity on campus, in the community and through social media interactions. Applications are accepted all year long, but thereis currentlya waitlist for membership.
(Continued from Page 4)
April 2017 // Page 6
ReadingComic Books: A Window Into TimeAshley PriceEditor
It’s 1933, Adolf Hitler is appointed as the Reich Chancellor of Germany, Mohandas Gandhi begins his 21-day fast and the Golden Gate Bridge is opened. 1933 was also the year the first modern comic book was born. “Famous Funnies”, a collection of reprinted newspaper humor-comic strips were published in July of 1933.
This collection would go on to establish many of the main story-telling devices used in the comics we know today. In 1936, Lee Falk’s “The Phantom” was published, which was the first book to debut the prototypal superhero, setting the standard for the world of comic books. And finally two years later, in 1938, the first edition of DC’s “Superman” came out, redefining and reshaping pop culture as we know it forever.
Of course there was one thing these comic books had in common, all of the heroes were stereotypical straight white males. In fact it would take another 28 years for the world of superheroes and comic books to represent a black man as a meaningful character, in Marvel’s “The Black Panther”. Of course, this was in 1966; around the time of African-American Civil Rights Movement - reflecting events happening at the time.
Things were much the same for the bad guys too – when during World War Two and the Cold War, more and more villains were portrayed
as either Nazis or Russians.In this respect comic book hero, villains and storylines can be seen for what they often are: inherently political creatures.
The entire genre is devoted to the adventures of powerful individuals compelled by circumstances and inclination to use their abilities to impose personal morality (often times that being a morality supported by the government or certain political parties) on the world through violence.
Flash forward to today (pardon the pun), and while more ethnicities may be represented, the story is still the same. Comic books still reflect the ever changing face of society, with racial and religious diversity at the forefront of that change.
In 1994 DC introduced to Latino, Kyle Rayner of the Green Lantern Corps. And in 2014, Marvel Comics introduced us to Kamala Khan, its first Muslim character. Confirming that today we are seeing a more diverse spectrum of heroes.
However, even today some prejudice does find its way into the world of comic books, with stereotypical characters of Middle Eastern Descent taking up the villainous roles traditionally held by the Nazis or Russians.
The truth remains, that comic books are a mere representation of our social and political views. They are a reflection of the beliefs of the people. These views, beliefs, and opinions, can have a great effect on the media and on pop culture.
To that extent, to have an opinion, a belief, is to have great power. And as a dying Uncle Ben said to a young Peter Parker, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”
Hopefully, even in these complex political and cultural times, with great comics books we can also see great authenticity, real diversity and a force for positive change.
April 2017 // Page 7
Global Issues
More than 5,400 rescuers and other external groups have continued their rescue efforts ever since the earthquake. However, these towns are located in the remote regions of the country surrounded by hills and mountains, making any rescue attempts difficult. These rescue efforts are in conjunction with damage repair attempts, however, to recover the towns back into their original shape before the earthquakes happened seems to be an insurmountable challenge.
Mr. Fogel, with his connections to the Italian earthquake, said that Italy has been experiencing great difficulties due to earthquakes for the last seven years. He states that reconstruction is still continuing since the great earthquake in 2009, but the towns could not possibly be the same as they were before the earthquakes occurred. The towns were made of buildings built 500-600 years ago making the reconstruction very difficult.
In addition to this, the continuous tremors are still creating difficulties for people. Mr. Fogel led a trip to Italy for the 2017 Discovery Week which included the opportunity to visit the regions that illustrate geographic instability of Italy and the first-hand devastation created by the earthquakes.
Julia Pata, a participant in the DW trip said, “The discovery week trip to Italy was an amazing experience I won’t forget! It was organized by Mr. Fogel who is so passionate about helping the local community in L’ Aquila and Sant’ Angelo. His personal connection with these small cities heavily damaged by earthquakes inspired us and motivated us to serve the community and learn more about it. I’m hoping I will be able to return to Italy soon, and I’d like to thank Mr. Fogel once again for this wonderful trip!”
The Italian earthquake has been a tragic event for many Italians and their families. I hope that the continued tremors would not cause further destructions and deaths in Italy.
Hyunjin KimJournalist
An earthquake of magnitude 6.6 struck Central Italy on the 24th August 2016, impacting the region of Perugia and L’Aquila. Frequent tremors were experienced in the nearby regions with two additional powerful earthquakes that occurred in October. The two recent earthquakes, each magnitude 5.5 and 6.1, occurred nearby the epicenter of the August earthquake, which brought further damages to the region. These disastrous earthquakes took more than 300 lives, including 2 of Mr. Fogel’s cousins.
Unfortunately, a large amount culturally valuable items were destroyed as well as many sites built centuries ago out of rock and mud. Severe damages were reported near the epicenter of the earthquake in the town of Amatrice. Mayor Sergio Pirozzi stated that “Amatrice is not here anymore, half of the town is destroyed.”
Earthquake in Italy
April 2017 // Page 8
April 25th is World Malaria Day
Editors Letter(Continued from Page 1)
Penguin Press”, by providing us with their outstanding talent. Finally, we would would like to thank everyone and anyone who has been involved in the newspaper process throughout the year. It truly is a collaborative effort and we would be at a loss without those who support us.
To a further extent we would like to thank our readers for their patience as we continue to pursue increased accessibility, improved efficiency and an all increased standard of writing. Readers, we thank you for your interest; you are the reason we continue to write.
If who would like to join “The Penguin Press” please contact at [email protected] (Sage McGhie) or [email protected] (Ashley Price).
“The experience has been amazing and the people have been incredible and cooperative. Everything has been super fun. A challenge is getting the makeup done because we have such little time.” - Taisia Haas, The Rocky Horror Picture Show Makeup Artist
Humans of AASSage McGhieEditor
“I don’t coach girls and boys, I coach athletes.” - Mr. Coffey, Varsity Basketball Coach
“Anyone who thinks
that they are too small to make a
difference has never
tried to fall asleep with a
mosquito in the room.”
Christine
Todd Whitman
