IAS Times Issue no. 44

official magazine of the international american school of warsaw

JUNE 2022

ISSUE 44

FACEBOOK.COM/IASWARSAW

WORLD NEWS

ELON MUSK’S TWITTER:

BEZOS’ OBSESSION

WWW.IAS.EDU.PL

SEASONAL

HIT THE SUMMER WITH YOUR

WHEELS TURNING

REFRESHING SUMMER SPOTS LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

AN INSIDE PEEK:

HOSTING A UKRAINIAN FAMILY

Spring Art Contest Winners

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT • SMALL SCHOOL • STUDENT ART • LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS •

p.7

Best Summer Spots

p.8-9

Warsaw Bike Rentals

p.10-11

Book Reviews

p.12-13 p.14

Summer Picnic Packing List Montresor, Meet Zaroff

STUDENT FICTION •

WORLD NEWS • WORLD NEWS •

Celebrating Diversity

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT •

Twitter Deal

p.15 p.16-17

p.18

Overturning Roe v. Wade

WORLD NEWS •

2nd place

Summer Bucket List

SEASONAL •

p.19

p.20-21

Ukrainian Student Voice

RECIPE CORNER •

3rd place

p.6

C’mon It’s Punny!

RECOMMENDATIONS •

SEASONAL •

Science Fair

p.4-5

LING LONG

SEASONAL •

Interview

p.3

No Bake Eclairs

p.22

p.23

NATALIA SOCHACZEWSKA

STUDENT ART •

YU LING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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1st place

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TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

AN INSIDE PEEK AT HOSTING

A UKRAINIAN FAMILY With a flood of over 3,376,000 refugees coming into Poland so far, we have been hearing a lot about host families. What’s even more wonderful is that our very own multi-talented Biology teacher, Ms. Beata Orlowska is one of the many generous Poles helping these families to escape the brutalities of Putin’s war.

by Anna Zwolinska

What made you decide to help Ukrainian refugees?

MS. BEATA ORLOWSKA: I felt so sorry for them and the entire situation. I worried about the events during this time and in general was concerned about what was happening in Ukraine. I decided to host this family in particular because they have children. As a teacher, I’ve always loved children. And I believe that kids are not responsible or guilty for this situation. Timur is 13 years old, Snizhana is 10 years old, and Oleksandr is 6 years old. They are now all attending school right here in Ursynow. I’ve been an empathic person throughout my whole life and I always put myself in others’ shoes. I imagined what it would be like if I were in their situation. I remember when I was a teen and I had to move a few times and had to change schools because of my family’s personal reasons. During that time there were a lot of people who helped

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us and because of that I wanted to do the same. I made the decision of hosting a family before any assistance programs were provided by the government as I

to the same facilities that they are used to at home and need to be provided with basic needs. They shouldn’t have to rely on the governments’ money, but should rely on peoples’ hearts instead.

In what ways did you aid the family that you’re hosting? Are you providing only housing or did you also help them in finding jobs etc?

“I’ve learned that people are stronger than they ever thought they could be.”

- BEATA ORLOWSKA -

heard that many Ukrainian families were desperate for help. Just like us, these people need access

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B.O.: First of all, I gave them my whole flat and moved from my apartment. I first made my flat available and a week later I started to organize the family’s everyday life. I found a few places where they could gather clothes and food, and I still continue to buy food to this day. I organized enrollment for these kids in the public school near my flat. Meanwhile, I’ve allowed one of the girls to work as a hairdresser and take customers to my flat to provide money for her family. It’s really difficult for her to find a salon

“They shouldn’t have to rely on the governments’ money, but should rely on peoples’ hearts instead.”

where she can work. That’s why I allowed her to open a salon at my place. She has customers and even takes pictures that I post on Facebook to share all her work to find more customers. Even some of my acquaintances have visited this girl so she can earn some money. If I hadn’t assisted her in doing all that, she would have been forced to look for a job in the city which would’ve been much harder.

Have you become close? How do you find yourself with this family?

B.O.: I find this family really lovely. I decided to move out to make more space in my flat, but I visit them as often as I can, like 2 times a week, as I’m shopping for them.

We now have a sort of friendship going. We talk a lot and we contact each other on Facebook.

They also bake cakes for me and they give me Ukrainian recipes.

Plus, we have a lot of other things in common.

think we are weak, and we don’t see our power, our vitality - not until we have a difficult experience. Those girls with those children taught me that people are stronger than they ever thought they could be.

Have you learned something new from this experience?

B.O.: Definitely. I have learned that regardless of the conditions, you have to be there for your family. You have to live for your family, even if you’re powerless, and even if you doubt yourself. You can go through all those struggles for your family because they always have your back. Sometimes with fear, we

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STUDENT ART

SMALL SCHOOL

SMALL SCIENCE FAIR COMES TO THE

SCHOOL

On Friday, June 10th, the students from the older grades visited the small school students to present a number of very interesting science experiments! The children enjoyed observing how different substances change color, make foam, or burn!

A special thank you to the 8th and 9th grade students for their skillful demonstrations and to the talented Ms. Beata, Mr. Adam and Mr. Rafal!

I don’t trust stairs. They are always up to something. - Kira Kantarovskay

it ’s punny!

You got a pizza my heart.- Aleksandra Krol

C’MON

You butter believe it! - Ada Azgın

You make miso happy! - Pola Szlosek

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LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

RE F R E SH I NG

IN WARSAW

by Anna Zwolinska

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The heat in the concrete jungle can be ruthless. Add summer journeys by public transport plus every day consumed by bright screens may cause you to long for those summer nights by the sea. Summer in cities can be dull and tiring as we watch our friends on social visit tropical locations across the world.

However, just because you aren’t leaving our capital does not mean that summer needs to be boring.

Here are some fantastic places to spend your precious summer moments in Warsaw that are worth checking out:

1. SUNTAGO NOWY ŚWIAT 1, WRĘCZA

An amusement and leisure park, the largest covered water park in Europe, opened in February 2020 in Mszczonów, 45 minutes outside Warsaw. Visit giant

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swimming pools, colorful slides, tropical islands and the sauna world at any time. Starting from the 18th of June, Santiago is a perfect getaway to refresh and cool out with your family and friends - without hopping on a plane!

2. WARSAW ZOO RATUSZOWA 1/3, WARSAW

Even more local, the Zoological Garden in Warsaw is an enormous, green island escape in the middle of the city. There, you can relax amid beautiful nature and observe wonderful animals from all around the world in a setting reminiscent of their natural habitat. Seeing an elephant, lion or giraffe with your own eyes is an unforgettable experience; and, if you’re lucky, you can also attend animal feeding events!

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3. KAYAKING ON VISTULA (NA KAJAK) WAŁ MIEDZESZYŃSKI 399, WARSAW

High temperatures are best battled by wind and water. That’s why kayaking is an excellent way to capture the holiday atmosphere. Kayaking on the Vistula is a perfect way to experience that sweet summer nostalgia. NaKajak is one of several options in Warsaw where you can kayak on the river, with varying routes and difficulties. Everyone can find something that suits their skills and appetite for adventure.

4. MIAU CAFE NARUSZEWICZA 30 ENTRANCE FROM AL. NIEPODLEGŁOŚCI NEXT TO METRO, WARSAW

Need to chill and want to experience an overload of cuteness? Find yourself in an adorable cafe with a plentiful coffee menu and breakfast dishes, surrounded by cats. Miau Cafe is the perfect place to

take a break and take one-of-a-kind pictures for your Instagram feed. It’s for sure one of the best places in Warsaw to experience the Japanese culture of cafes with animals.

5. VISTULA’S WILD BEACHES BEHIND THE SIEKIERKOWSKI BRIDGE (RIGHT BANK/PRAGA SIDE), WARSAW

On a beautiful, sunny day, relaxing on the beach is a perfect idea and a substitute for a holiday. However, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’re on vacation. In Warsaw, you can find clean and beautiful beaches along the river banks. You can sunbathe on them, read a book or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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SEASONAL

HIT THE SUMMER WITH YOUR

WHEELS TURNING

by Glynnis Clarissa Balakrishnan and Yennie Chou

S

chool is wrapping up; the Lockdown is locking itself; holidays are about to begin… and it’s time to have fun! Summer vacation is about to start and there are thousands of exciting and thrilling things to do! Since the Pandemic, you probably haven’t had the chance to go out and spend your precious time outside enjoying nature’s beauty. If you’re like us, all we’ve done was sit on the same old red sofa, which is a true “catscratch-heaven” right about now, sitting in front of the only entertaining thing - the TV. Now to overcome the habit of laziness. We need something that can carry us, and take us on beautiful adventures.

Something that there’s a bit less work to put into. What could it be? Of course, a trusty bike or even a scooter!

time, but Scooters are available year round.

If you’re a beginner, don’t be afraid - there are 4 easy steps in order to rent a scooter. First, using an Android or Apple iphone download a transportation app on your phone like Bolt, Uber, Lime, Do,t etc. Next, you just need to give your Email ID, phone number, debit or credit card number and location.

Thirdly, find the nearest scooter around you provided by the app and scan the QR code on the scooter.

This will give information about the scooter. Finally, click on “Rent Now” and take a ride! When you’re done, click “release” on your online app and park it anywhere. The price depends on the amount of time you spend on it, and it’ll be an effortless and jolly ride!

Now, we know that we can easily have an adventure on a bike or a scooter, but you’re probably thinking about the whole process of finding one at a shop and paying thousands of złoty. All this, just for a ride? NOT REQUIRED! Instead, you can RENT A BIKE OR SCOOTER in Warsaw just for a few złoty and it’ll take you wherever you’d like to go! Renting a Scooter in Warsaw is the easiest. Bikes can only be rented for a seasonal

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As for bikes, in the city of Warsaw, there are over 300 different bike stations making the city bikes one of the greenest and cheapest ways to explore. Everyone can rent city bikes easily. There is no need for any papers or documents. All you need is a phone, email address, phone number, and a bank card.

In order to rent a bike, you will need to register an account on www.veturilo.waw.pl or you can also do the same thing via the Veturilo App. Once you’ve done it, international american school of warsaw

you will be prompted to have at least 10 złoty in your account, after that you are ready to rent a bike.

Once you remove the bike from the rack, the timer automatically starts. If you return the bike within 20 minutes, it’s free. On the other hand, if you return it from 20 minutes to 1 hour, you will be asked to pay around 1 złoty, which will be taken from the 10 złoty you just put in. Here is an important thing: make sure you always have a minimum of 10 złoty in your account. You cannot rent a bike if it’s lower than that!

There are two ways you can rent a bike. The first one is the simplest and the fastest way. It’s by using the app and scanning the QR code found on the bike. The second way is by using the bike station which does not require any mobile internet. All

you have to do is enter your phone number and the bike number which can be found at the bottom of the bike. Returning the bike is easy too - just find an empty space and when you hear the beep, that means you have successfully returned it.

Renting a city bike is a very simple and entertaining way to spend your summer time exploring your favorite spots in the city and even find a quiet forest path in Kabaty or a patch of sand along the riverbank in Wilanow to soak up some sun. A TIP: You can’t access the bikes year round because they are only available from the end of March to September.

So make sure you find the time to get out on bikes!

The next time you think of taking a quick and relaxing journey, rent a bike or scooter, and as Dr. Seuss says, “Oh! The places you’ll go!”

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BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

DEAD TREES TO FLIP

OVER THE SUMMER

by Milda Statkutė

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ummer is approaching fast, and you know what that means…lots and lots of time to read. Whether you’re chilling home or lying by the beach this summer, chances are your plans include a book or a few. So, here are some titles, big or small, to choose from.

THE ALCHEMIST

BY PAULO COELHO

The Brazilian writer, Paulo Coelho, wrote this now classic in 1988 and has since captured the attention of many readers.

The novel follows Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd boy, who abandons his sheep and his previous life in order to embark on a journey after reoccurring dreams of a

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child who claims he will find a secret treasure if he travels to the Egyptian pyramids. In his spiritual journey, he discovers his “Personal Legend” and the purpose of his life. This quote from the novel shortly sums up one of the key ideas; “When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.”

This is a novel that I would suggest for a slightly older audience, ages 13 and up, as it is full of metaphors and life lessons that would not be interesting to younger kids. Santiago’s journey teaches us the importance of listening to our hearts, recognizing opportunity, learning to read signs along life’s path, and, most importantly, following our dreams. If the reader has achieved their goal, they can reflect on their challenges and rewards. The Alchemist is a won-

international american school of warsaw

derful inspiring story to start one thinking about their own “Personal Legend” if the reader is still working on achieving their dream.

RONIA, THE ROBBER’S DAUGHTER

BY ASTRID LINDGREN

Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter is a 1981 children’s fantasy novel written

by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren.

Ronia is a little girl growing up in the woods of early-medieval Sweden with a family of robbers. She is supposed to become the clan’s leader someday as the only child of Matt, the chief of the clan.

On the day of Ronia’s birth, a lightning bolt splits their castle in two.

Ronia grows up with Matt’s robbers

as her sole company, until a rival robber group commanded by Borka moves into the castle’s other half, increasing the two bands’ long-standing rivalry. Ronia runs into Birk Borkason, Borka’s only son, lounging by the gap one day. Borka is the only other child she had ever met, and Ronia is sorry that they are rivals. However, after saving Birk’s life once, the two become friends and the book is all about their adventures and lessons they learn in the forest.

I would recommend Ronia to kids who like books about adventures, nature and friendship. Ronia’s strength as a young lady makes her a role model for young girls, and the book stands out among the hundreds of adventure stories with boys as the main, and often only, major characters.

UNCLE TOM’S CABIN

BY HARRIET BEECHER STOWE

The 1852 book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s most famous work, has left behind a huge legacy. Connected with Abraham Lincoln at the beginning of the American Civil War; it is simply described as a true classic anybody should read.

It focuses on the horrible, cruel, and immoral period of slavery in American history. The story follows Tom, a devoted Christian slave whose master has no alternative but to auction Tom and other valued slaves due to financial issues. Tom had several comforts while living with his master, including decent clothing, books, a spouse and kids. As time passes Tom is relocated from one location to another, where he meets new in-

international american school of warsaw

dividuals, some of whom are kind and others who are not. There are additional characters in this novel, including some of the slaves who lived with Tom at the Shelby farm and have since gone their separate ways. Tom is an important figure in their stories too. One of the most prominent side stories is the one of Eliza and her little son Harry.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin was a significantly revolutionary book for its day, and it influenced the abolitionist movement and American culture in general. Only the Bible outsold it as the most popular book of the nineteenth century. But now, Uncle Tom’s Cabin is more relevant than it has been in over a century. The book is very touching, and in my opinion, a must read for everyone.

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SEASONAL BOOK SUMMER BUCKET LIST

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STUDENT FICTION

MONTRESOR,

MEET ZAROFF

PART II

The Tale after The Cask of Amontillado, but before The Most Dangerous Game

by Tobias Gica, Vy Nguyen, and Julia Sochaczewska

ZAROFF: I am here, on the seas of Greece to find an island. An island to live on, to sleep on, to eat and drink on. You will join me, and will help me with my hunting, and my shelter.

NARRATOR: After long consideration, Montresor decided to join Zaroff on his island. He decided it would be best to escape any accusations made against him.

MONTRESOR: It’s a far-stretched idea, but I must say that I agree.

Until death do us part. (Montresor smirks.)

NARRATOR: One chilly night, when the captain was tired from the journey, and his mind was in a loopy tangle; when the crew was half asleep and the passengers passed out in their cabins, Zaroff spotted a perfect piece of land. Far, far off in the distance.

He instantly knew. He found Montesor and made him collect all his belongings, including his finest of alcohols. They quickly lowered an emergency boat into

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the dark, midnight sea, and found themselves flowing along with the swift current in the little boat.

MONTRESOR: We’re near, aren’t we?

ZAROFF: Near enough. It’s over there, in the distance. (Points to a tiny, overgrown island in the distance.)

NARRATOR: Less than an hour later, they felt a tug on the little boat. They looked over at the deep, royal blue water, and instead saw a light, cream powder.

They had arrived. While unpacking, a large man came up to them with a rifle. Montresor stepped back in fear, tripping back into the boat. Zaroff’s reflexes even surprised himself, when he caught Montresor by the hand before taking impact in the fragile, wooden boat. A wooden wall of the boat chipped off making a deep, splintering noise. Montresor dusts himself off and looks at Zaroff approaching the man.

ZAROFF: He’s deaf. He didn’t international american school of warsaw

bother looking over when he heard the boat crack.He’ll be easy to deal with.

NARRATOR: He walks over to his bag and takes out a piece of parchment and an inky feather.

In scribbled handwriting, it read: “Let’s play the hunting game. We each have a rifle and one hour to hunt as many animals on this island. Whoever gets the most gets to be the owner of that big house of yours. I’m sure you won’t pass up a great opportunity like this to get a person to help you gather food and live better.” The man looked skeptical, but the look on his face made them both think he didn’t have much thought between his eyes of icy blue. He wrote on the paper, “Ivan,” and gave them a thumbs up. They

ran off into the small forest and Montresor didn’t see them both for the next hour.

ZAROFF: Montresor! I have won. Come now, I have fish for dinner.

NARRATOR: But Montresor was long gone along with the boat and all of Zaroff’s belongings as well as his own. It seems like Montresor became his own enemy, and followed in Fortunato’s footsteps. He left Zaroff with nothing but a rifle, and an uncertain man.

ZAROFF: Good game (reaches for Ivan’s hand in respect).

NARRATOR: For the next couple of months, Zaroff and Ivan lived in a huge house together, trying to survive on local fish and animals and the limited re-

sources they had. Zaroff didn’t want to admit this, but he was angry. He was angry at Montresor for betraying him. He was angry at himself for letting himself have faith in a clever and manipulative stranger. He was angry at the world. When the food supply was only enough to feed himself and Ivan, and not the army of dogs they trained to hunt, they had to find a solution.

To release his anger, and feed his overgrowing addiction and obsession with winning, adrenaline, and hunting, when a person wandered onto his lands, he played the hunting game with them. The hunting game included a new game. A hunting game for hunting people. One day there was a knock at the door.

international american school of warsaw

Ivan opened the door guarding the General, and stood in the doorway was a drenched, tired, and scared man. An author of his favorite hunting book.

“Don’t be alarmed,” he heard the man say.

WORLD NEWS

WORLD NEWS

THE WHITE HOUSE APPOINTS FIRST

BLACK WOMAN AS PRESS SECRETARY

by Antonina Gowin and Greta Hajnal and Edited by Aleksanda Iwańczak

“Representation matters!” Jen Psaki reminds us at a recent press conference when she presented Karine Jean-Pierre as the next White House press secretary.

A historic moment in history is made for not only a woman of color, but also a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The press secretary is responsible for holding daily briefings to the media and it is the highest profile public-facing position in the White House.

On May 5th 2022, Karine Jean-Pierre was appointed as the first, openly gay, black female spokesperson for the White House and started her work a week later.

Jen Psaki, former press secretary, tweeted “One of our first conversations was about how to build a drama-free team that focused on doing the job and also supporting each other while playing a role every day in rebuilding trust in government. Grateful to have had her by my side.” She added, “I can’t wait to see her shine as she brings her own style, brilliance and grace to the podium.”

During the Obama administration, Jean-Pierre worked in political affairs at the White House and later participated in his re-election campaign. In 2014,

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she became both an international and public affairs lecturer at Columbia University. She has worked as a political commentator for NBC and MSNBC, and as a top public relations officer at the federal political committee, MoveOn. She joined Biden’s presidential campaign in January 2021 and has been his principal deputy press secretary since then.

Joe Biden’s decision to make Jean-Pierre not only the first woman of color, but also a member of the LGBTQ+ community as the White House press secretary, sets a perfect example for all of us.

This shows how diverse and welcoming America is starting to become. It implies that our hard work and experience, and not our skin color or sexuality, are the things that truly matter. Miss Pierre is attempting to demonstrate to us all that there is no room for criticism here. During her speech, she said, “This is a historic moment for me, and I hope I make people proud.”

Once again, it is fantastic news for the country, and the world at large, to welcome Karine Jean-Pierre aboard.

We are eternally grateful for this decision, and we all wish her well in her new role as press secretary.

international american school of warsaw

ROE v. WADE: LET’S TALK ABOUT IT

by Gosia Kostecka Edited by Aleksandra Iwańczak Roe v. Wade is a US Supreme Court decision from 1973, stating that the Constitution of the United States protects a pregnant person’s freedom to choose to have an abortion without unnecessary state restrictions. This legal case created a huge debate in the US over whether or to what level abortion should be allowed, who should be allowed to choose on whether it is legal and what part of social and religious beliefs should play in politics. It has also sparked discussions on how the Supreme Court should treat national issues.

As of May 2022, it is expected that Roe v. Wade will be overturned in June. For the first time in history, a draft of the Supreme Court’s ruling has been leaked; the decision declares that Roe and Casey will be overruled. Predictions suggest that 26 states will then ban abortion under all circumstances.

National protests for and against legal abortion access took place after the leak released by Politico on May 2nd. While federal lawmakers have promised to follow through with an – apparently symbolic – attempt to protect the right to abortion in US law, state leaders around the country have also moved to plan for a post-Roe v. Wade world. Prior to Roe v. Wade, states made decisions about abortion access legislation. The 1973 judgment declared abortion access to be a constitutionally protected right.

Without federal law, shutting down the decision would hand back control of abortion access to the states.

tions and increases the number of unsafe abortions.

2. Miscarriages will be investigated like a felony, in order to make sure a crime of illegal abortion was not committed.

3. The penalty for aborting rape will be higher than the penalty for rape.

If Roe v. Wade is overturned, 3 things will happen:

they are not mentally or fi-

1. People with a uterus will risk their lives getting illegal abortions; as an abortion ban only decreases the number of safe abor-

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Here is some food for thought: Where this is headed there will be no exceptions, even when it comes to rape or incest. If a 14 year old can not adopt a child because nancially capable of supporting a baby, why might they have to give birth to one?

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WORLD NEWS

ELON MUSK’S TWITTER:

BEZOS’ LATEST OBSESSION

by Aaditi Malhan

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f you have been reading the news lately, Twitter and Elon Musk would have managed to grab your attention, at least once. The billionaire CEO has always managed to grab public attention by his unfiltered tweets on the platform, however, his acquiring Twitter was never expected to have happened. Since the influx of [this] news, many people have been wondering why he has been hellbent on his aspirations for Twitter and how much is at stake in this Elon Musk-Twitter deal?

It all started when news of Elon Musk, accumulating over 5% stake in Twitter, broke open; which, by the way, is suspected to have broken Federal Law. Soon enough, the tech billionaire went on to criticize Twitter for letting high-profile celebrities on the platform while they almost never engage. (Adding to this, there are speculations that celebrities who do not engage in regular tweets and discussions might be banned from the interactive platform, once Musk takes over.)

During this time, Twitter’s board was immensely pressured as a result of Musk’s increased stake in the company (in the form of stocks) and their response was incapacitating to say the least. Twitter’s CEO offered billionaire Elon Musk a seat on its board, which was publicly denied by Musk as he had other plans… clearly. Within a week of denying Twitter’s offer, the tech billionaire offered to buy the social media platform for a whopping $44 billion. Soon enough it was clear to the world how hesitant Twitter is in giving

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itself into Musk’s hands, but, with no better deal on the table, the deal was signed and has become a humoursitic topic for many.

Sure, Twitter is a valuable platform. But why does a billionaire like Elon Musk want it so bad? A question that arises in everyone’s mind after looking at the financials of the deal. Despite being the world’s richest man, the current owner of Twitter- Elon Musk has had to put a lot at stake including stocks in Tesla, a company owned and founded by none other than him. Buying out a company for $44 billion is not a piece of cake, for even a billionaire and we will see why.

CEO billionaires are known to be filthy rich, which they are. However, the difference is that not always are they rich with the help of their personal assets.

The majority of the most influential CEOs are rich because of stakes in their companies in the form of stocks; from the infamous founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos to the stock mogul Warren Buffet.

Coming back to the astonishing financials. As part of Musk’s buyout plan, Twitter will add nearly $13 billion in debt. But, according to the pitch deck, he plans to pay down the debt since free cash flow — a measure of how much money a company has to cover its debt — is expected to climb to $3.2 billion in 2025 and $9.4 billion in 2028. In addition to this, the billionaire has to take a loan worth $6.25 billion backed

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from Tesla stocks, down from $12.5 billion in an earlier outline of the deal’s financing.

These are insane numbers which only a billionaire like Musk can afford to even think of. Being Twitter’s owner has its benefits; however, according to experts the financials of the deals will keep the billionaire wrapped around loans for quite a lot of time considering interest rates.

No matter how infuriating the financials are to look at, Musk made up his mind and has acquired the platform. Musk is known for his well thought-out decisions, and acquiring Twitter tops the list as of now. “...Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated…” are words by Musk right after buying the platform. He goes on and criticizes the previous Twitter board for restricting free speech on the platform by banning accounts that violated its own guidelines. He later throws light on the whole process where free speech leads to compromising decency; however, dooms free speech way more integral to human society than ‘decency’. Free speech has been the tech billionaire’s favorite topic when it comes to criticizing Twitter, and is something which will be the priority of the company hereafter.

While free speech is the new target, encouraging people to use the platform and banning accounts

if inactive is another huge target of the team. Prior to buying Twitter, Musk had tweeted about inactive celebrity accounts and went on to throw shade on them. And it has been mentioned again in the new targets of the company for the following year. If this goes well, you won’t be able to watch your favorite celebrities once a year.

Has Musk gained or derailed the chances of Twitter remaining the go-to political platform after his buyout? This is a question which has been openly debated since the news of the buyout. While the public does not have much opinion, it is trusting Musk with his excellent business ethics and style. This news has definitely vexed employees and experts alike.

One of the world’s richest men and Musk’s business rival, Jeff Bezos has got quite a lot to say on this matter. He has raised an interesting question which highlights the extent to which the Chinese government might have gained a bit of leverage over the ‘town square,’ considering Tesla’s dependence on the democratic dictatorship. Employees are also worried and unhappy with the buyout, and some of them have expressed their emotions through the platform itself. As for the public, it might be hard to form an opinion on this, but it is not necessary to form one.

Letting Musk prove himself as the new head is something we should look forward to and try to give him leverage for his astounding business ideas.

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COOKING CORNER

STUDENT VIEW

ECLAIRS

MADE

by Maja Sankowska

An open letter from an IAS Student: Running away from war in fear is sure one hell of an experience. I am not going to say who is right or who is wrong, and I will not speak about politics right now. I am not in the right place to do so.

I surely did not want to be a part of this. I am drained from being a part of major historical situations flattening our life force. First Covid-19 (in general the whole lot of that year) and now this. I feel like I have matured a couple of years earlier than I originally needed to.

SIMPLE This delicious and simple looking desert can often lead to a cooking disaster. You have to make a special dough, make sure the éclair does not go flat, measure the proportions extremely accurately, use a proper piping tip, as well as keep track of your oven’s moisture. All of this can discourage anyone from preparing this desert. But here, you will learn a much simpler way to make eclairs with a little twist. This recipe will guide you on your way to craft your own éclair cake that tastes just as good and is amazingly simple to make. This fantastic desert has been speculated to have come from France somewhere at the turn of the nineteenth century. The recipe is believed to have been put together by Marie-Antione Carême. She was a pastry chef in the French royal court.

INGREDIENTS: 2 packages instant vanilla pudding mix

Well, in general, to rewind a bit, I could even feel this weird pressure in my head for the couple of days before February 24th. It was like a vague tingling sensation in your head. As if my brain was trying to warn me about something.

Most likely it was my sub-consciousness. Even the colors became more dim.

Usually bright objects, like flowers, appeared more gray, of sorts. In retrospect, it is kind of funny that on February 23rd I was distraught about my upcoming geometry test the next day, and on the next day, I was fearing for my life. Hard to believe, but true. Right now I am still also deeply concerned about my father who is currently in Ukraine. He cannot leave the country because of martial law and he is younger than 60. But I have faith that everything will be alright.

I hope that the war will soon be over and everything will return to its original place. I hope I did not offend anyone by accident here. Thank you for hearing me out.

1 container frozen whipped topping, softened 3 cups milk 1 package graham cracker squares 1 package prepared chocolate frosting

PREPARATION: In a medium bowl, combine the pudding mix, whipped cream, and milk until completely mixed.

In the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking pan, place graham cracker squares in a single layer. Then, half of the pudding mixture should be evenly distributed over the crackers. Add another layer of crackers and the rest of the pudding mixture on top. Add a final layer of graham crackers on top.

Spread the frosting all over the cake, up to the pan’s edges. Before serving, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Notes: As it can be seen this is an overly simple recipe that demystifies eclairs. It does not require any baking and gives us a perfect chilly snack for hot summer days that are just around the corner. It is a perfect gateway to enter the realm of baking; a good recipe for beginners that are looking for a way to start their journey in the kitchen. ...and some extraordinare eclairs

Ielizaveta Tymkiv Ukrainian immigrant 7th Grade

22

international american school of warsaw

international american school of warsaw

23

JUNE 2022

ISSUE 44

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