Features
Welcome to our Spring Features page! Here you can explore various topics selected by the Thompson Newspaper Staff.
Quarantine and the Environment
By Georgia Bernhard
Ever since the world has been secluded in social distancing, it has had an unforeseen impact on the environment. And although this change is because of an awful situation, it’s a positive change nonetheless for our hurting planet— many within the scientific community project that we have a mere eighteen months to save Earth from a tragic fate (BBC, 2019). And with the steep drop in vehicles driving and factories polluting, we may be getting our foot in the door for a healthier environment. And these effects aren’t all talk; there’s factual evidence that, in our newly limited behavior, the world’s ecosystem is breathing easier. This has been in terms of everything from greenhouse gas emissions to waste. In regard to the former, there has been astounding changes in worldwide pollution due to global quarantine; according to NBC, air pollution has dropped 30% in the northeastern United States. In Madrid, nitrogen dioxide emissions (another greenhouse gas) have decreased by 75%. And in terms of wildlife, the daily influx of reports of animals out in formerly bustling areas are nothing less of incredible. According to CNBC, peacocks have been seen wandering the streets in Ronda, Spain, herds of goats are roaming in the roads of North Wales, and wild monkeys were spotted in the New Delhi streets (CNBC, 2020). On another note, “Seismologists report lower vibrations from ‘cultural noise’ than before the pandemic” (The Guardian, 2020).
This may serve as a taste of a pollution-free world. As written in the BBC, “Overall 2020 may still see a drop in global emissions of 0.3%.” (BBC, 2020). But unfortunately, all these inspiring strides for the planet may be wasted: “Any positive environmental impact [relies on] changing our production and consumption habits towards cleaner and greener," wrote Inger Andersen, executive director of the U.N. Environment Program earlier last month (NBC, 2020). So while these reports are nice, and may even provide hope to their readers, for a real difference, continuing efforts must be made. Our world leaders must take the hugely needed action and stop contributing to global climate change— and hopefully they’ll take the positives from these grim circumstances as a place to start.
By Georgia Bernhard
Ever since the world has been secluded in social distancing, it has had an unforeseen impact on the environment. And although this change is because of an awful situation, it’s a positive change nonetheless for our hurting planet— many within the scientific community project that we have a mere eighteen months to save Earth from a tragic fate (BBC, 2019). And with the steep drop in vehicles driving and factories polluting, we may be getting our foot in the door for a healthier environment. And these effects aren’t all talk; there’s factual evidence that, in our newly limited behavior, the world’s ecosystem is breathing easier. This has been in terms of everything from greenhouse gas emissions to waste. In regard to the former, there has been astounding changes in worldwide pollution due to global quarantine; according to NBC, air pollution has dropped 30% in the northeastern United States. In Madrid, nitrogen dioxide emissions (another greenhouse gas) have decreased by 75%. And in terms of wildlife, the daily influx of reports of animals out in formerly bustling areas are nothing less of incredible. According to CNBC, peacocks have been seen wandering the streets in Ronda, Spain, herds of goats are roaming in the roads of North Wales, and wild monkeys were spotted in the New Delhi streets (CNBC, 2020). On another note, “Seismologists report lower vibrations from ‘cultural noise’ than before the pandemic” (The Guardian, 2020).
This may serve as a taste of a pollution-free world. As written in the BBC, “Overall 2020 may still see a drop in global emissions of 0.3%.” (BBC, 2020). But unfortunately, all these inspiring strides for the planet may be wasted: “Any positive environmental impact [relies on] changing our production and consumption habits towards cleaner and greener," wrote Inger Andersen, executive director of the U.N. Environment Program earlier last month (NBC, 2020). So while these reports are nice, and may even provide hope to their readers, for a real difference, continuing efforts must be made. Our world leaders must take the hugely needed action and stop contributing to global climate change— and hopefully they’ll take the positives from these grim circumstances as a place to start.
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Disney's Magical Recipes
By Sydney Jones Artwork by Ella Swift
RECIPE
The Grey Stuff Ready in 1 hour 25 minutes; Serves 1 person Preparation
“Try the Grey stuff! It's Delicious! Don’t believe me? Ask the Dishes!” -Lumiere in “Be My Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast” Make sure to make with love! SOURCE: https://www.devourdinner.com/grey-stuff-copycat-recipe/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RECIPE Harry Potter ButterBeer Ready in 60 minutes; Serves 4 people Preparation
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.” -Albus Dumbledore Make sure to make with love! SOURCE: https://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/harry-potters-butterbeer/014213de-794b-4d49-a92d-64a07ffb2894 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RECIPE Grand Floridian Chocolate Chip Cookies Ready in 45 minutes; Serves 4-8 people Preparation
-Mary Poppins Make sure to make with love! SOURCE: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/05/make-a-batch-of-cookies-from-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-spa-for-national-chocolate-chip-cookie-day-on-may-15/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RECIPE Funnel Cake Ready in 20-25 minutes; Serves 8 servings Preparation
-Walt Disney Make sure to make with love! SOURCE: https://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/515064032/funnel-cake-from-sleepy-hollow-magic-kingdom-disney/ |
RECIPE
Dole Whip Ready in 15 minutes; Serves 1 person Preparation
“Everything tastes better when it’s Mickey Shaped.” -Walt Disney Make sure to make with love! SOURCE: https://www.travelandleisure.com/food-drink/disney-dole-whip-recipe-3-ingredients ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RECIPE Churro Bites Ready in 50 minutes; Serves 4 Preparation
-Winnie The Pooh Make sure to make with love! SOURCE: https://www.popsugar.com/food/disney-churro-recipe-47377362 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RECIPE Volcano Dessert Ready in 1 hour and 20 minutes; Serves 1 person Preparation
-Walt Disney Make sure to make with love! SOURCE: https://recipesofdisney.com/volcano-dessert/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RECIPE Mickey Mouse Beignets Ready in 2 hours and 30 minutes; Serves 24 servings Preparation
-Walt Disney Make sure to make with love! SOURCE: https://www.thepkpway.com/disneyland-mickey-mouse-beignets/ 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 Things To Do When Stuck in Quarantine By Georgia Bernhard Redecorate your room~~Start a journal~~Exercise~~Learn a new instrument/Keep practicing~~Draw~~Take photos~~Read~~Watch documentaries~~Go for walks~~Have a backyard picnic~~Record yourself for a day~~Make a movie bucket list~~Call friends and family~~Learn a new language~~Make something (bracelets, crafts, decor, etc.)~~Do yoga~~Watch the sunset/sunrise~~Learn origami~~Find new music~~Start a new TV show~~Learn magic tricks~~Send old-fashioned letters~~Learn calligraphy~~Meditate |
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Technology in Elementary Schools: Necessary or Perilous?
By Tara McHale and Juliana Fielding
In recent years, technology has taken over almost all other methods of education, especially in the elementary grade levels. Hillary Nyguen, a kindergarten math teacher, explains this new method of teaching, stating that computers provide students “what they need and when they need it,”(Nyugen, 2019, edsource.org). Although many teachers are grateful for the convenience and endless opportunities (or distractions) found on the internet, some are skeptical if this technological focus is driving away the student's development. Therefore, many are left with the question: Is a technology-focused education at a young age perilous for development, or does it prepare the children for the modern society we are living in?
To start, the technology at schools can prepare children for the modern society that we live in for multiple reasons. Every student has a different learning style and pace. As explained by Erin Riskey, “Technology-based apps and programs come in really handy in this area because they can support multiple levels and styles of learning and allow students to work at their own pace,” (Riskey, 2018, study.com). With larger class numbers, teachers do not have time to ensure that everyone is at the right spot in their education. With technology, teachers are able to easily check in with their students without wasting any class time.
On the other hand, some people believe that technology-focused education at a young age can be perilous for the students' development. Joan Almon, a co founder and director of the Alliance for Childhood, an organization founded to help children and their education, states, “What is most effective for children at this age is to be engaged with their whole body – three-dimensional learning like Play-Doh or painting letters,” (Almon, 2015, edsource.org). It is a solid argument that children should be learning with hands-on activities and they should learn how to use different types of technology at home since they already are playing video games in their free time.
On top of all of this, with the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, many students do not have access to technology to complete these virtual instruction classes. As stated by the NY Times, “Then their schooling screeched to a halt. Their father, a builder, had to go back to work in a neighboring province of China. He took his phone with him. Now the only device on which the boys can watch their school’s video lessons is 300 miles away,” (Zhong, 2020, nytimes.com). On the whole, this extreme use of technology could be harming or beneficial to the students yet it is clear that some do not even have access to this.
This issue of technology in elementary schools has come close to home. Recently, it has been announced that in the fall, local elementary schools will be required to implement digital design and computer science into the curriculum. There are facts proving that being exposed to the screen at a young age can be perilous yet in our modernizing society, is this a risk we are willing to take?
Works Cited
STUDY.COM, study.com/blog/pros-cons-of-using-technology-in-the-elementary-classroom.html.
Frey, Susan. “Technology Takes Hold in the Early Grades.” EdSource, EdSource, 23 Dec. 2015, edsource.org/2015/technology-takes-hold-in-the-early-grades/74465.
Zhong, Raymond. “The Coronavirus Exposes Education's Digital Divide.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 17 Mar. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/technology/china-schools-coronavirus.html.
By Tara McHale and Juliana Fielding
In recent years, technology has taken over almost all other methods of education, especially in the elementary grade levels. Hillary Nyguen, a kindergarten math teacher, explains this new method of teaching, stating that computers provide students “what they need and when they need it,”(Nyugen, 2019, edsource.org). Although many teachers are grateful for the convenience and endless opportunities (or distractions) found on the internet, some are skeptical if this technological focus is driving away the student's development. Therefore, many are left with the question: Is a technology-focused education at a young age perilous for development, or does it prepare the children for the modern society we are living in?
To start, the technology at schools can prepare children for the modern society that we live in for multiple reasons. Every student has a different learning style and pace. As explained by Erin Riskey, “Technology-based apps and programs come in really handy in this area because they can support multiple levels and styles of learning and allow students to work at their own pace,” (Riskey, 2018, study.com). With larger class numbers, teachers do not have time to ensure that everyone is at the right spot in their education. With technology, teachers are able to easily check in with their students without wasting any class time.
On the other hand, some people believe that technology-focused education at a young age can be perilous for the students' development. Joan Almon, a co founder and director of the Alliance for Childhood, an organization founded to help children and their education, states, “What is most effective for children at this age is to be engaged with their whole body – three-dimensional learning like Play-Doh or painting letters,” (Almon, 2015, edsource.org). It is a solid argument that children should be learning with hands-on activities and they should learn how to use different types of technology at home since they already are playing video games in their free time.
On top of all of this, with the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, many students do not have access to technology to complete these virtual instruction classes. As stated by the NY Times, “Then their schooling screeched to a halt. Their father, a builder, had to go back to work in a neighboring province of China. He took his phone with him. Now the only device on which the boys can watch their school’s video lessons is 300 miles away,” (Zhong, 2020, nytimes.com). On the whole, this extreme use of technology could be harming or beneficial to the students yet it is clear that some do not even have access to this.
This issue of technology in elementary schools has come close to home. Recently, it has been announced that in the fall, local elementary schools will be required to implement digital design and computer science into the curriculum. There are facts proving that being exposed to the screen at a young age can be perilous yet in our modernizing society, is this a risk we are willing to take?
Works Cited
STUDY.COM, study.com/blog/pros-cons-of-using-technology-in-the-elementary-classroom.html.
Frey, Susan. “Technology Takes Hold in the Early Grades.” EdSource, EdSource, 23 Dec. 2015, edsource.org/2015/technology-takes-hold-in-the-early-grades/74465.
Zhong, Raymond. “The Coronavirus Exposes Education's Digital Divide.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 17 Mar. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/technology/china-schools-coronavirus.html.
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Pollution made COVID-19 worse, now lock downs are clearing the air.
By Argie Loucopoulos & Carina Farrell
During this terrible outbreak from COVID-19, good and bad things have been happening. The bad thing is the disease going around and putting us into lockdown where we can’t see our friends, go shopping, eat at restaurants, go to school, and more things. Something good that is happing from this outbreak of COVID-19 is that from us not going out, not using as much energy, not using cars a lot, and other things, this helped our Earth. This made the skies clear, blue, and healthy.
Pollution had a major effect on COVID-19 cases around the world. There are fine particles that damage parts deep into the body which could create hypertension, breathing trouble, heart disease, and diabetes. An article stated, “If you’re getting COVID, and you have been breathing polluted air, it’s really putting gasoline on a fire,” said Francesca Dominici, a Harvard biostatistics professor, and the study’s senior author. All of these things can increase the chance of getting the coronavirus for any person. Pollution caused some of the passing. An article stated, “Had particle levels averaged just one unit lower over the past two decades, the researchers calculated, 248 fewer people would have died over the past several weeks.” Even though we all hate to stay indoors and not see our friends and family, this made a difference in our environment. When this pandemic ends, we will all remember that we did something good to save the world!
Even though this pandemic has been hard to go through so far, nature is becoming better and cleaner. In India, air pollution is one of the world’s worst places with it. The article states, “people are reporting seeing the Himalayas for the first time from where they live,” Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. This shows that even the worst of places can be fixed. Just because of the pandemic, pollution is decreasing. Also, in Delhi, the air is normally choking. “Levels of PM2.5 and the harmful gas nitrogen dioxide fell more than 70 percent!!” This shows that even though this coronavirus has done many bad things, by going into lockdown we have all learned lessons. One of those lessons was that we had to take care of mother nature a lot better. The pollution was always a problem that was never fixed but now we can have solutions to this problem to help nature.
Even though the pandemic lockdown is reducing air pollution now, what will happen when this pandemic is over? So far, scientists think that once people start using their cars again and opening up factories, air pollution will go back to the way it was. Maybe even get worse than before. For example in China, pollution has returned from before the pandemic. They are worried that it is going to be worse because they haven’t even opened up all of the factories yet and that's a problem. Also, when the pandemic is over, people could still be scared and worried about it. They wouldn’t go on public transportation and use cars. Imagine how much pollution would be added. That is what scientists and people think about what will happen after this COVID-19 lockdown is over.
Works Cited
Kachroo, Nasir. “Pollution Made COVID-19 Worse. Now, Lockdowns Are Clearing the Air.” Pollution Made the Pandemic Worse, but Lockdowns Clean the Sky, 20 Apr. 2020, www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/04/pollution-made-the-pandemic-worse-but-lockdowns-clean-the-sky/.
By Argie Loucopoulos & Carina Farrell
During this terrible outbreak from COVID-19, good and bad things have been happening. The bad thing is the disease going around and putting us into lockdown where we can’t see our friends, go shopping, eat at restaurants, go to school, and more things. Something good that is happing from this outbreak of COVID-19 is that from us not going out, not using as much energy, not using cars a lot, and other things, this helped our Earth. This made the skies clear, blue, and healthy.
Pollution had a major effect on COVID-19 cases around the world. There are fine particles that damage parts deep into the body which could create hypertension, breathing trouble, heart disease, and diabetes. An article stated, “If you’re getting COVID, and you have been breathing polluted air, it’s really putting gasoline on a fire,” said Francesca Dominici, a Harvard biostatistics professor, and the study’s senior author. All of these things can increase the chance of getting the coronavirus for any person. Pollution caused some of the passing. An article stated, “Had particle levels averaged just one unit lower over the past two decades, the researchers calculated, 248 fewer people would have died over the past several weeks.” Even though we all hate to stay indoors and not see our friends and family, this made a difference in our environment. When this pandemic ends, we will all remember that we did something good to save the world!
Even though this pandemic has been hard to go through so far, nature is becoming better and cleaner. In India, air pollution is one of the world’s worst places with it. The article states, “people are reporting seeing the Himalayas for the first time from where they live,” Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. This shows that even the worst of places can be fixed. Just because of the pandemic, pollution is decreasing. Also, in Delhi, the air is normally choking. “Levels of PM2.5 and the harmful gas nitrogen dioxide fell more than 70 percent!!” This shows that even though this coronavirus has done many bad things, by going into lockdown we have all learned lessons. One of those lessons was that we had to take care of mother nature a lot better. The pollution was always a problem that was never fixed but now we can have solutions to this problem to help nature.
Even though the pandemic lockdown is reducing air pollution now, what will happen when this pandemic is over? So far, scientists think that once people start using their cars again and opening up factories, air pollution will go back to the way it was. Maybe even get worse than before. For example in China, pollution has returned from before the pandemic. They are worried that it is going to be worse because they haven’t even opened up all of the factories yet and that's a problem. Also, when the pandemic is over, people could still be scared and worried about it. They wouldn’t go on public transportation and use cars. Imagine how much pollution would be added. That is what scientists and people think about what will happen after this COVID-19 lockdown is over.
Works Cited
Kachroo, Nasir. “Pollution Made COVID-19 Worse. Now, Lockdowns Are Clearing the Air.” Pollution Made the Pandemic Worse, but Lockdowns Clean the Sky, 20 Apr. 2020, www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/04/pollution-made-the-pandemic-worse-but-lockdowns-clean-the-sky/.
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New Video Games
By James Lucas Martinelli
Artwork by Abby Wernersbach
There have been a lot of new video games released over the past year. Video games are something you can do during quarantine to get your mind off of things. Here are reviews of some new games.
NHL 20 is a great new video game. The graphics are very realistic and it has new players and quick slapshots. The game has a lot of features which makes it so much fun. One feature that I really enjoy in this game is called Ones Now. This is my favorite mode because there are no penalties in this mode and you can select the best hockey players that have ever played in the NHL. You can also choose to play some NFL football players and musical artists too. In Squad Battles, you can earn and collect the team you really want and take on the best teams by the top names in sports and music. Overall it is a great game and I highly recommend it!
Another new game that came out is Call of Duty Modern Warfare. This game is a military game and is about a CIA officer and British forces who try to save the fake country of Urzikstan from being invaded. The game is so realistic that it looks like you are watching a movie. It is fun to play and very exciting. There are many multiplayer modes and the most popular one is the warzone mode. Teams can fight each other and players can be anywhere in the world playing each other. I should mention that this game is not for younger children because there is a lot of violence. Overall it is a fun game to keep you occupied during the quarantine.
Some other new games you can consider are Animal Crossing: New Horizons which has some good reviews and is very popular right now. It has great graphics and you get to design your own character. You can also play with your friends which helps a lot during quarantine. Just Dance 2020 is good if you want to get some exercise and learn some new dance moves to music while you are playing. MLB The Show 20 is better than MLB The Show 19 and if you are missing baseball season like I am, playing this game will help. More video games are being released now and over the summer such as Ghost of Tsushima, Cyberpunk 2077, Skater XL and so much more. I will be looking forward to trying some more new games.
By James Lucas Martinelli
Artwork by Abby Wernersbach
There have been a lot of new video games released over the past year. Video games are something you can do during quarantine to get your mind off of things. Here are reviews of some new games.
NHL 20 is a great new video game. The graphics are very realistic and it has new players and quick slapshots. The game has a lot of features which makes it so much fun. One feature that I really enjoy in this game is called Ones Now. This is my favorite mode because there are no penalties in this mode and you can select the best hockey players that have ever played in the NHL. You can also choose to play some NFL football players and musical artists too. In Squad Battles, you can earn and collect the team you really want and take on the best teams by the top names in sports and music. Overall it is a great game and I highly recommend it!
Another new game that came out is Call of Duty Modern Warfare. This game is a military game and is about a CIA officer and British forces who try to save the fake country of Urzikstan from being invaded. The game is so realistic that it looks like you are watching a movie. It is fun to play and very exciting. There are many multiplayer modes and the most popular one is the warzone mode. Teams can fight each other and players can be anywhere in the world playing each other. I should mention that this game is not for younger children because there is a lot of violence. Overall it is a fun game to keep you occupied during the quarantine.
Some other new games you can consider are Animal Crossing: New Horizons which has some good reviews and is very popular right now. It has great graphics and you get to design your own character. You can also play with your friends which helps a lot during quarantine. Just Dance 2020 is good if you want to get some exercise and learn some new dance moves to music while you are playing. MLB The Show 20 is better than MLB The Show 19 and if you are missing baseball season like I am, playing this game will help. More video games are being released now and over the summer such as Ghost of Tsushima, Cyberpunk 2077, Skater XL and so much more. I will be looking forward to trying some more new games.
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Quarantine Communication
By Julia Fiorello
During these times, things are rough when it comes to not seeing friends in physical contact. Luckily, we are living in a generation full of technology and ways to talk to people. In this article, you may recognize some of the few communication apps. Maybe after you’ll try some out!
Starting off, we have the communication apps for school. During VHI, most teachers use Google Meets for video chatting or Google Hangouts for just typing chats. These are mainly only school resources but you can give it a try on a home account! Google Hangouts is perfect for the students because it is easy to contact anyone you need to. Teachers are the only ones who can set up a Google Meet though. These are school resources, so let's hop into some home resources!
This next platform is called Zoom. We do not use Zoom at Thompson but usually sports teams out of school or any after school activity uses it. Zoom is a fun website for meetings or calls with your friends! To use Zoom, you have to set up a meeting. A Zoom meeting is only 40 minutes with more than two people (if it’s only you and a friend, then there are no limits.) Zoom has a feature to pay for unlimited time with more than two people. You can also do backgrounds on Zoom. (I’ve been spending half of quarantine figuring that out).
Lastly, we have the “old” basic Facetime. Facetime has always been on an iphone (Apple users only) for you to video call your friends. Everybody probably knows about Facetime, but personally I like playing games on Facetime. On text there is a feature called “Gamepigeon” where you can play fun games! I recommend crazy 8 if you have +3 people!
Before I end off, social distancing may be hard, but we are all alone together. Stay in contact with your friends… and if you’re eager to see your friends, make sure you arrange it six feet apart! Stay safe!
By Julia Fiorello
During these times, things are rough when it comes to not seeing friends in physical contact. Luckily, we are living in a generation full of technology and ways to talk to people. In this article, you may recognize some of the few communication apps. Maybe after you’ll try some out!
Starting off, we have the communication apps for school. During VHI, most teachers use Google Meets for video chatting or Google Hangouts for just typing chats. These are mainly only school resources but you can give it a try on a home account! Google Hangouts is perfect for the students because it is easy to contact anyone you need to. Teachers are the only ones who can set up a Google Meet though. These are school resources, so let's hop into some home resources!
This next platform is called Zoom. We do not use Zoom at Thompson but usually sports teams out of school or any after school activity uses it. Zoom is a fun website for meetings or calls with your friends! To use Zoom, you have to set up a meeting. A Zoom meeting is only 40 minutes with more than two people (if it’s only you and a friend, then there are no limits.) Zoom has a feature to pay for unlimited time with more than two people. You can also do backgrounds on Zoom. (I’ve been spending half of quarantine figuring that out).
Lastly, we have the “old” basic Facetime. Facetime has always been on an iphone (Apple users only) for you to video call your friends. Everybody probably knows about Facetime, but personally I like playing games on Facetime. On text there is a feature called “Gamepigeon” where you can play fun games! I recommend crazy 8 if you have +3 people!
Before I end off, social distancing may be hard, but we are all alone together. Stay in contact with your friends… and if you’re eager to see your friends, make sure you arrange it six feet apart! Stay safe!
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Q&A
Interview With Brad Aronson
Author of HumanKind
By Carina Farrell & Argie Loucopoulos
Q - What inspired you to write HumanKind?
A - There were a few reasons. One was that I went to a graduation, and the principal was letting everyone go to college. The next day, it wasn’t in the news, and no one would know about it. The second reason is that when my wife was ill, I needed something to do to distract my mind. When I wrote, I wanted to spread some kindness into the world.
Q - Why did you choose to become an author?
A - I always loved writing, and writing was something that I wanted to do.
Q - Who supported you throughout your life?
A - I have been very lucky to have people who had people that supported me. But mainly my family and some close friends.
Q - Who made you want to become a writer? Teachers? Family? Friends?
A - This was something that I always wanted to do, so I kept writing, and people kept me going.
Q - If you weren’t an author, what type of job would you want to have?
A - I would be a teacher.
Q - How long did it take you to write HumanKind?
A - It took 5 years.
Q - What is your favorite inspirational quote?
A - “Friendship isn’t a big thing. It's a million little things.”
Q - If you had a pet, what type of pet would you want?
A - A poodle
Q - What schools did you go to? Which one was your favorite?
A -I went to Harrison Elementary School, but my college was my favorite school.
Q - Do you have a favorite hobby to do besides write?
A - Yes. I have a lot of hobbies. I like to play baseball and coach the little league team.
Q - How many more books do you plan on writing during your career?
A -I have no idea. I plan on writing more books. I just don’t know yet.
Q - What is your favorite movie to watch now?
A -I love a lot of movies, but “Remember the Titans” is one of my favorites.
Q - What’s your favorite food?
A - Ice cream
Q - What was your favorite subject in school?
A - Social Studies
Q - If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A - A dog
Q - Who is your favorite author/writer?
A - J.K. Rowling
Interview With Brad Aronson
Author of HumanKind
By Carina Farrell & Argie Loucopoulos
Q - What inspired you to write HumanKind?
A - There were a few reasons. One was that I went to a graduation, and the principal was letting everyone go to college. The next day, it wasn’t in the news, and no one would know about it. The second reason is that when my wife was ill, I needed something to do to distract my mind. When I wrote, I wanted to spread some kindness into the world.
Q - Why did you choose to become an author?
A - I always loved writing, and writing was something that I wanted to do.
Q - Who supported you throughout your life?
A - I have been very lucky to have people who had people that supported me. But mainly my family and some close friends.
Q - Who made you want to become a writer? Teachers? Family? Friends?
A - This was something that I always wanted to do, so I kept writing, and people kept me going.
Q - If you weren’t an author, what type of job would you want to have?
A - I would be a teacher.
Q - How long did it take you to write HumanKind?
A - It took 5 years.
Q - What is your favorite inspirational quote?
A - “Friendship isn’t a big thing. It's a million little things.”
Q - If you had a pet, what type of pet would you want?
A - A poodle
Q - What schools did you go to? Which one was your favorite?
A -I went to Harrison Elementary School, but my college was my favorite school.
Q - Do you have a favorite hobby to do besides write?
A - Yes. I have a lot of hobbies. I like to play baseball and coach the little league team.
Q - How many more books do you plan on writing during your career?
A -I have no idea. I plan on writing more books. I just don’t know yet.
Q - What is your favorite movie to watch now?
A -I love a lot of movies, but “Remember the Titans” is one of my favorites.
Q - What’s your favorite food?
A - Ice cream
Q - What was your favorite subject in school?
A - Social Studies
Q - If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A - A dog
Q - Who is your favorite author/writer?
A - J.K. Rowling