Academynews december 2016

ATHLETICS: New MKA Fencing Coach

STUDENT LIFE: Model UN Goes To Brown

WORLD NEWS: Fidel Castro Dies

THE ACADEMYNEWS

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MONTCLAIR KIMBERLEY ACADEMY’S STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER

VOLUME XL, ISSUE III | December 2016

EVENTS DECEMBER 14 Winter Band Concert DECEMBER 16 Start of Winter Break JANUARY 17-20 Midterms

INSIDE MKA AT SEGL Page 1 ECONOMIC UPSWING Page 2

FIDEL CASTRO’S DEATH Page 3 POINTCOUNTERPOINT: POLITICAL DISCOURCE ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Page 4 WINTER BUCKET LIST Page 5 MODEL UN AT BROWN Page 6

MKA at SEGL

Dominic Flocco ’18, Staff Writer When I arrived in Washington D.C. nearly four months ago, ready to embark upon a new journey full of new adventures, challenges and prospective, I had no idea what I was about to experience. The only school I ever knew was MKA, and now I was headed into the nation’s capital, with 23 other kids from vastly different backgrounds that I had never met before. How would this completely new environment compare to my prestigious private school in North Jersey?

Needless to say, I felt at home immediately. The faculty and students were extremely welcoming and before I knew it I found a place where I could thrive. At the School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL), we took advantage of every opportunity that came our way: we sat in on Supreme Court cases, went to a game at Nationals Park, visited the African American History Museum, toured the National Rifle Association and traveled to countless embassies. We also talked to some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met, including FBI director James Comey, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, Mexican Ambassador to the United States Miguel Basáñez Ebergenyi, Clinton White House press secretary Mike McCurry and even one of Hillary Clinton’s speechwriters. I was challenged in ways I had never been challenged before, and grew immensely from the wide variety of perspectives and background of my peers.

However, my experience at the School for Ethics and Global Leadership has also made me more appreciative of the community at MKA. With only 24 students and 8 faculty members (all of whom are on a first-name basis), the community at SEGL is very close-

knit. Everyone in the program is intellectually motivated, making for intriguing discussions that never stop in the classroom. I’ve come to realize that we have a similar environment at MKA. People in the MKA community have their own passions that they’re not afraid to share, which makes for an engaging discussion. I’ve begun to take note of how welcoming the MKA community is as I listen to my peers’ stories about their home schools. With many minority groups represented in the program, I hear many stories about the unwelcoming nature of my peers’ home schools. I’ve come to appreciate the uniqueness of our school’s diversity and inclusion program and the open community established by the students, faculty and administrators alike. Trust me when I say it, the Academy is a special place.

Academy News Staff: Editors in Chief: Alex Rivlin ‘17 Rebecca Picciotto ‘18 Managing editor: Jonah Zinn ‘17 Sports Editor: Dani Wolk ‘17 Layout Editor: Miles Milke ‘17 Photo Editor: Josh Levine ‘17

Staff Writers: Chris Lewis ‘18 Dominic Flocco ‘18 Sarah Willis ‘18 Ethan Kuhl ‘18 Teddy Bulajic ‘18 Cristina Cestone ‘18 Keenan McAuliffe ‘18 Julia Helliesen ‘19 Ruhee Juvekar ‘19 Mia Layton ‘18 Elizabeth Squires ’18 Sasha Aronson ’18 Michael Bromley ’17

World News, Page 2

THE ACADEMY NEWS

December 2016

Economic Upswing in Post-Election America

Ethan Tse ’18, Issue Contributor

On November 22, 2016, the Dow Jones Industrial There is a clear optimistic aura in the stock market Average closed at $19,023.87 a share, the highest right now, anticipating a more market-friendly closing price in history. The S&P 500 also closed at an administration, especially compared to the outgoing all-time high of $2,202.94 a share.

Obama administration. Trump’s proposals to repeal The market has been fairly bullish, or optimistic, since Obamacare, as well as his possible roll backs on the the presidential election, and many feel that it is directly Dodd-Frank reform and NAFTA, all point to a procorrelated to the anticipation of President-elect Donald business administration. The Republicans also swept both the House of Representative and the Senate, which Trump’s economic policies. The emotions around the will significantly increase the passing of legislation. election from investors have always been mixture of pessimism and optimism, and weeks before the election, However, this is only speculation in anticipation of what investors think the President-elect will do, and markets fell for nine straights days, turning around some feel his policies will either hurt the economy to reach all-time highs in the weeks after. The initial in the long run, or simply not happen. Donald Trump slump before the election was likely a result of overall proposed enormous tax cuts for the wealthy to stimulate uncertainty on the prospect of President Trump, and investment, which critics say will inflate the national possibly even a fear of such an outcome. However, the deficit. Some also feel that the infrastructure projects post-election stock market shows a level of optimism, will increase the national debt, with very little long-term as investors see many pro-business policies in the economic benefits. future. Stocks like Caterpillar Inc. and U.S. Steel have al surged on Trump’s agenda to increase and improve The deregulation of financial markets worries many infrastructure. Many pharmaceutical stocks also rose as well, as it is essentially the removal of the various on the hope that the safeguards put in place after the prevent a recession like Trump administration 2008. The general consensus in financial markets now is would shy away from optimism, but the future is still too uncertain to predict, drug price regulation. as the movement of the markets all depends on what Military stocks like legislation the president-elect will pass and how it will Lockheed Martin (LMT) affect the economy. As of now, we can only hope that and Raytheon (RTN) Mr. Trump will use his business experience to live up to increased on the hopes his promises, and progress the economy to an all-time of a defense budget high. increase. The big banks also had their share of green anticipating deregulation from the President-elect in the financial sector.

Corruption Scandal Engulfs South Korean President and Entire Nation

Meghna Maharishi ’18, Issue Contributor

After several weeks during which protesters filled the Park Geun-hye became South Korea’s first female streets of Seoul, South Korea, demanding President Park president in 2012, but the corruption scandal greatly Geun-hye’s resign after a corruption scandal, Geun-hye damaged her political career. With impeachment was impeached late last week. underway, the prime minister will take over and the The scandal which decimated Park Geun-hye’s political Supreme Court will determine whether or not the career came about in early November, when the close impeachment is constitutionally sound. If the majority relationship between the president and her friend, Choi of justices decide the impeachment is constitutional, Soon-sil, was seen as a conflict of interest. Choi Soon- then Geun-hye would be removed from office and an sil is currently being investigated for manipulating the election will be held within 60 days. The public has been president for her own financial gain. Although money demanding Park Geun-hye’s resignation since the scandal scandals with South Korean presidents are nothing new, broke out, as she has also failed to improve the country’s the problem with this scandal is that there is no blood relations with South Korea and the economy. relation between Park Geun-hye and Choi Soon-sil and no one understands Geun-hye’s reasoning for having Soon-sil meddle with state affairs. This scandal has led to a large corruption inquiry into big business leaders by the South Korean parliament. Eight financial firms have already admitted to donating money to Park Geun-hye, but have denied seeking any favors. Choi Soon-sil allegedly held the donations for a “non-profit”, yet funneled the money to Park Geun-hye.

Student Life and World News, Page 3

December 2016

THE ACADEMY NEWS

The History Department Revolutionizes the Fidel Castro’s Death

Jolie Curran ’18, Issue Contributor Revolutions Course On November 25th, the former President and Prime Valerie Bejjani ’19, Issue Contributor

Minister of Cuba, Fidel Castro, died at the age of 90 from an undisclosed cause. Castro was an influential power throughout several decades of Cuban history. Many say that he led them to become the global power Cuba is today.

His death has been perceived worldwide as a shock to the system, but there are many different perceptions of his legacy and the person he was. While many Cubans detested Castro’s regime, According to Dr. Korfhage, the History Department a number of them admire Chair, the 10th grade curriculum has changed since last and remember Castro as year and will be modified again for next year to look a steadfast strongman more like the 9th grade structure by using overarching who helped their country questions in order to study and compare a series of fight against oppression revolutions. This year, the American Revolution is no and realize their dream longer covered in order to allow for the expansion of of independence. He cannot be denied the recognition the major research paper units in the fall and spring.

However, overall, students seem to be satisfied with the of leading Cuba through its revolution, but there are curriculum. Cristina Cestone, a current junior, remarked: still many discussions on whether his death should be “I found it more interesting than other history classes in mourned or celebrated. To the common American, Castro signified the boundary between American and Cuba, and the past because it was not exactly set on one place or the communist dictatorship that held Cuba in its grasp time period, but rather focused on the world and their for years on end. We celebrate the death as a death of dilemmas as a whole…” communism and the possible rebirth of democracy that The 11th grade Castro hated with so much force. We see him as a man curriculum has who fought for the oppressed, only to oppress them even also undergone more. He has a villainous connotation to his name and major changes, values, and therefore, to many, his death is undoubtedly a especially in the good thing. As stated before, many citizens of Cuba saw manner in which Castro as a beacon of hope and an end of oppression. He the material is represented a new way of life, in which everyone could presented because be equal, and the working class could flourish. His death it is now grouped is mourned like the death of a grandfather; someone who thematically rather worked hard for his grandchildren to be where they are than studied in now. Castro used “guerrilla” violence to unify the working chronological class, and empathized with their grievances. To Cubans, order. Dr. Korfhage believes that this new structure he was the hope that led them through the chaotic, and is beneficial because it brings out certain themes and sometimes violent, revolution that both broke them down, stories that would otherwise have been downplayed by and built them back up to be better than before. So, while a chronological study as well as connects the past and discussing the death of Castro, one might not know which present. For example, when studying women’s history, side to choose. Of course juniors will first look at current events concerning death is a fragile thing women, including Hillary Clinton’s campaign, and that should be dealt with, then will trace the role of women back through history. with a certain care, but Cristina also likes the thematic organization of the one is allowed to have course, but she doesn’t want it to completely replace his or her own opinions chronology: “I imagine I might be a little confused on the mourned. We when we go back later into history again when we start as Americans may not our women’s rights theme because we had just learned agree with Castro’s ideas about things that had occurred less than 40 years ago. and principles. We may not believe he was the vanguard Ultimately, I think a balance of themes and chronology that he is regarded as. But, we must empathize with those is vital.” In the future, the History Department hopes who were deeply affected by his actions. The residents of to add the resulting Constitutional principles from the Cuba who overcame oppression through his leadership.

American Revolution to the curriculum rather than His death brought a wave of controversy, but the one thing studying the entire revolution itself. everyone should acknowledge, is a respect for everyone else’s opinions. While he may have been a villain to one, he was a grandfather to the other, and his death greatly impacted everyone around him.

The work of the academic departments usually goes unnoticed because students aren’t privy to what happens behind the scenes. As such, students don’t always realize changes have been made before they’ve been set into action. Therefore, the History Department is being spotlighted in order to acknowledge some of these overlooked changes.

Opinion, Page 4

THE ACADEMY NEWS

December 2016

Point-Counterpoint: Should We Engage in Political Discourse on Social Media?

Point:

Rebecca Picciotto ’18, Editor In Chief

In 2012, the Pew Research Center reported that 66% of social media users participate in some form of political discourse. There are approximately 1.18 billion people who use Facebook actively each day. Based on these two statistics, there are an estimated 780 million people per day who use Facebook as a platform to spread their own political message.

To many, these figures are quite jarring, especially for the generations that grew up receiving their political insight from trusted news outlets, rather than their coworker’s Twitter feed. However, the 2016 presidential election proved that the nature of the political sphere is in transition, and as such, the means through which the public engages in political conversation must evolve.

Benjamin Franklin once famously said, “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” This same principle applies in the 21st century, and to the very question at hand. Shaming political conversation in social media in order to avoid uncomfortable or irritating situations, is the equivalent of giving up an “essential liberty,” in this case, freedom of expression, in order to remain in “temporary safety.” However, creating bubbles of what one wants to hear on social media is unproductive and ultimately, fails to take full advantage of the actual power that social networking websites wield.

The apparent transformation of political discourse can be largely accredited to the ascendance of millennials in the electorate. In April, the US Census Bureau’s population analysis led to the conclusion that there are now 75.4 million millennials as opposed to the 74.9 million Baby Boomers, who were born in the 1950s and 1960s. With this new demographic trend, people who were raised contemporaneously with the social media boom are becoming the majority. Hence, new mentalities have begun to form, and different political dialogues have been forced to match them.

Counterpoint:

Jonah Zinn ’17, Managing Editor

In this day and age, civil discussion about politics is essential. The massive rift in this country will only begin to mend itself when people of different political leanings make a commitment to talking out their differences. There is probably no worse medium for this than Facebook. Let me be clear: my Facebook page is anything but apolitical.

There’s nothing like a good Facebook argument to get my adrenaline pumping. It’s almost the modern equivalent of the after-school brawl, and that’s why it doesn’t work.

Any argument you have on Facebook is bound to take on a gladiatorial nature because it is quite literally a public spectacle. If I post something on Facebook and an argument ensues, it has an audience of my 990 Facebook friends, all of whom can chime in whenever they wish.

Admitting you are wrong in a private conversation is one thing, publicly admitting it is something else entirely.

It is pretty easy not to admit you are wrong, when instead you can avoid a question by a petty mocking of your opponent’s grammar. Facebook arguments aren’t discussions so much as ideological free for alls and digital cage fights. The objective isn’t gaining common ground, it’s winning.

I’ve had many meaningful, civil political discussions in which I’ve either changed someone’s mind or had my own mind changed. None of them have taken place in Facebook comment sections. These discussions take place in person, or at the very least over some private means of communication. Think about it like this: if you discreetly, quietly tell someone their fly is down, they’ll appreciate it. If you yell it at them from across a crowded room, they’ll see you as trying to embarrass them. If you really want to change a person’s mind, talk to them like a person, and talk to them in person.

Therefore, when you scroll through your colleague’s Facebook wall and find an overwhelming amount of political diatribes, or when you sift through Donald Trump’s notorious Twitter account, do not immediately dismiss these political communication outlets as invalid. In an age where social media has become an indispensable vehicle for discussion, politics deserve to present themselves as well. After all, in order to gain perspective, Americans, even those with opposing views, must engage with each other—just maybe not at the dinner table.

Student Life, Page 5

THE ACADEMY NEWS

December 2016

5 Seniors Win Recognition Through the Winter Break Bucket List Mia Layton ’18 and Cristina Cestone ’18, Staff Writers National Merit Program Julia Helliesen ’19, Staff Writer

With Winter Break scant days away, it’s time to start Each year, MKA offers the sophomore and junior planning out your days! Here are ten things to do over classes the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT exam. break with songs to go along with: This exam serves not only as a practice SAT for students, but also as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying 1. Go ice skating in Bryant Park in New York City. To Test, the NMSQT, which is an academic competition get pumped, listen to “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like that provides recognition and possibly scholarships for Christmas” by Michael Bublé. students based on their scores. All students taking the PSAT are automatically entered in the competition. Nationally, about 1.6 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each 2. Visit the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and year, but only about 50,000 students achieve scores that listen to “Christmas Lights” by Coldplay. qualify for recognition as National Merit Scholars. Last year, five students in the MKA senior class qualified as National Merit Scholars. They were Gregory Costeas, Jacob Sasfai, Jayson Thompson, Jacob Waldor, and Jonah Zinn.

The Academy News spoke to Jonah Zinn about his

experience as a Scholar. He explained, “I was extremely 3. Watch a hockey game in Madison Square Garden and honored to win the Letter of Commendation in the listen to “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by James Taylor.

National Merit Scholarship Competition. When I got my PSAT scores back, I knew I’d be in the running, but since it was a new kind of test, it was very unclear what 4. Visit the giant Christmas Ornament sculpture on Sixth exactly the cutoffs would be. So the uncertainty of it all Avenue while listening to “Run Run Rudolph” by Luke definitely made winning the award a great surprise. Ms. Bryan.

Jennings actually notified me on my 18th birthday, so that made it feel a little extra special. She also announced it 5. Start a Secret Santa exchange! Listen to “Christmas to the school on Election Day, which was another funny Wrapping” from The Waitresses while shopping for gifts. coincidence.” Further, Jonah said, “My brother won the award when he was in high school, so I was relieved to have won it from a sibling rivalry perspective. The 6. Walk through the Turtle Back Zoo’s Holiday Lights award is a very helpful thing to have in your corner for Show as you listen to “Glow” by Brett Eldredge. college applications. As a national honor, it certainly improves your chances. I was quite happy to include it 7. Go to Radio City Musical Hall as you enjoy Michael in my application.” After asking Jonah whether or not Bublé’s “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” he believed that his MKA education contributed to his success on the exam, this was his response: “My MKA education absolutely contributed to my performance on that test, but more importantly, it taught me not to worship it. There are kids who could smoke me in any math contest who didn’t do as well as I did in the math section; a big part of it is being a good test taker and familiarizing yourself with the SAT specifically. Some people are just more wired for it than others.” Congratulations to all of last year’s National Merit Scholars!.

8. Bake holiday desserts while listening to “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano.

9. Invite your friends over and jam out to songs like

“Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande.

10. See Macy’s window display as you listen to “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Michael Bublé.

Student Life, Page 6

THE ACADEMY NEWS

December 2016

MKA at Brown: Model UN Students Take on Foreign Policy and Succeed

Ethan Kuhl ’18, Staff Writer

A couple of weeks ago, the Model United Nations Club went to a conference at Brown University. Students represented many different countries like Algeria and Belgium, and people such as Admiral James Loy of the Coast Guard. After a four-hour bus ride, some students went on a tour of the beautiful campus and then later explored the restaurants and shops on Thayer Street for dinner. After their meals, students went to their first committee meeting that included introductions and procedure protocol. Although initially awkward, students quickly became acquainted with their fellow delegates, making lasting friendships.

In committee, most delegations are tasked with resolving three main issues, such as hunger in the African Union, or nuclear policy in the European Union. Other committees, like the crisis committee, have more specialized tasks and their delegation moves more quickly. This year there were three students on crisis committees, and they focused on the growing terror threat in the Middle East in the early 2000s. After a packed first day, students returned to the hotel and hung out in the lobby playing cards and listening to music.

Rising bright and early the following day, most students were found with a large coffee in hand as they headed to another busy day of delegation. There were two threehour committee meetings that day, and each one helped the delegates come closer to resolving different issues.

Issues can be resolved by passing working papers or resolutions that outline specific steps to fix the problem.

After the last committee meeting, the entire 16-student group from MKA went to have a joint dinner at a Korean restaurant: it was a delicious meal and really helped the group bond.

After dinner, all delegates from MKA and other schools met up at a club called the colosseum (this event was sponsored by Model UN). After a few dances with everyone’s new friends from different schools, MKA students returned back to the hotel for another fun night of socializing and playing cards. There was another surprise in store though. At 1:00 am, Model UN personnel came knocking on the hotel door of the students in the Crisis Committee. The three were brought down to the hotel conference room for an emergency crisis meeting and did not return to bed until 4:30 am, after the crisis had been dealt with.

For all students, the last day of the Brown conference was bittersweet. Everyone was tired, yet still energized from the previous night. Typically, the last delegation meeting is filled with laughter and not as serious as the others, as final resolutions were passed, and students said goodbye to their new friends. Overall, Model UN was a great experience, as it allowed for students to meet and bond with new people, and learn about current political issues.

In the spring, MKA will also appear at the Model UN conference at the University of Pennsylvania, along with over 2,000 other attendees. Abhay Bhandari ’18, who will be leading the trip is looking forward to “experiencing Philly culture,” and projects even more success for MKA’s team.

Concert Season: The Music Department Takes the Stage in a Series of Impressive Performances

Ruhee Juvekar ’19 and Navya Salwan ’19, Staff Writers

With the weather getting colder, winter concert season is approaching quickly. The winter concert season is a series of choral and band concerts. The Winter Choral Concert was held Friday December 9th, from 8-9 pm.

The different choral groups performed a number of songs of different genres, ranging from Hebrew pieces to Christmas music to biblical pieces. Some of the songs are “Winter Wonderland,” “Shalom,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “He, Watching Over Israel,” and “For Unto us a Child is Born.” The groups consisted of the Unaccompanied Minors, run by Kiki Porter ‘18 and Matt Rubenstein ‘17, the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir. These three groups prepared for the winter concert throughout the first semester every other day, as well as two riser rehearsals the week of the concert.

Just days later, the Band Concert took place on December 14th, from 8-9 pm, and the Jazz Band concert is on January 31st, from 7:30-8:30 pm. The Concert Band rehearses in class every other day and sometimes during meeting period. The band performed about five to six songs, including a medley of Beatles songs from their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band, “Night on Bald Mountain” arranged by Leopold Stokowski, “Skydive” by Chris Bernotas, “Rattle the Cage” by Larry Neeck, and “Brazilian Bell Carol” by Robert W. Smith.

After several months of hard work, MKA’s musical groups should feel proud in the impressive performances that they put on this winter. Be sure to look forward to the encore in the spring concerts.

Student Life, Page 7

THE ACADEMY NEWS

December 2016

How to Stay Civil this Holiday Season World-Class Fencer Takes Over the Upper School Arianna Jobst ’20, Issue Contributor Fencing Program December, the final month of a year that has been full of ups and downs, has finally ended after a threeweek haze of tests and essays. Although most of us are begging for winter break at this point, another stressful time is coming: family gatherings. Sometimes there are unpleasant relatives that you cannot talk to without getting into a heated discussion about something pointless. In order to stay away from awkward family silences and unnecessary family uproars, take a breath, and try these steps to remain civil during the holidays:

Chris Lewis ’18, Staff Writer

Recently, the fencing program hired a new head coach, to replace Ms. Verrone, the former coach, who is on maternity leave. Her name is Elizaveta Kiryanova.

Coach Liza, as her players call her, has had an extensive career in fencing herself. She fences sabre, and has traveled all over the world

fencing in various competitions. She was a member of the 1. Do Not Talk About Politics Russian National Fencing Team from 2010-2012. During This usually goes without saying, but especially with that time, she won many medals in world competition, the heat of this past election it is best to steer clear from including the silver medal in the 2012 Fencing World all things regarding Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. All Cup in Belgium, and gold at the 2012 Fencing World things November 8th is off limits. Once it starts you will Championships in Croatia. She also won bronze at the open up a debate that won’t stop until we have another 2012 Fencing World Cup in Chicago, and bronze at the 2014 Fencing World Cup in Austria. In addition, she president. worked as a coach on the Russian Olympic Reserve team in 2012. Liza’s impressive resume and expertise is sure 2. Turn Awkward Small Talk Into Actual Conversation to help improve an already stellar program.

Forced small talk about how school, sports, and other MKA will be practicing at the Lilov Fencing activities are going turn into conversations that don’t Academy this winter, where Liza is also a coach. The venture past the words “good” and “fine”. Instead of program graduated many key players from last year’s immediately trying to escape interrogation from your team; however, many talented fencers still remain, and relatives, turn the conversation to something that would it’s looking to be a very successful fencing season for the interest you both. Conversations with a common interest Cougars. will yield significantly better results.

3. Don’t Rely On Your Phone Staying on your phone during the time of year when your family gets together is something that bothers everyone but you. Everyone gets together to catch up, not to sit on their phones. Next time you have a family gathering, try to stay off of the addictive social media. Your family would rather hear you tell a funny story than read a tweet about it.

Try these three steps in order to have more fun and less fights during the holidays!

Quote of the Month: “The future rewards those who press on. i don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. i don’t have time to complain. i’m going to press on.”

-President Barack Obama

Opinion & Lifestyle, Page 8

December 2016

THE ACADEMY NEWS

The Trump Administration in Development: Questions About Future Cabinet Members Arise Michael Bromley ’17, Staff Writer Since Donald Trump was elected the next President of the United States of America on November 8th, I’ve tried to be hopeful. President-elect Trump’s victory speech conveyed the need for unity in this country, one of his few standpoints that I actually agree with. That speech actually mitigated some of my fears...until Trump started making appointments. From the beginning of his general election campaign, I’ve been telling myself the same thing to try and normalize Trump’s imminent presidency: his actions will be decided by his cabinet. Trump, not being a career politician, will need to rely heavily on the guidance of his advisors.

Unfortunately, the appointments have been worse than I could have possibly imagined. Instead of maintaining the message of unity from his victory speech, Trump has appointed some of the most divisive individuals possible.

Let’s start with Steve Bannon, Trump’s appointee for Chief Strategist. Bannon was the former CEO of Breitbart News, an infamously radical right-wing media outlet, before he started working for Trump’s campaign. Like Trump, Breitbart indiscriminately flings vitriol at the “dying media sources” of CNN and MSNBC, primarily for fact-checking and extensive coverage that “demonizes” Trump. As of December 1st, Breitbart is staging a boycott of Kellogg’s for withdrawing their ads from Breitbart’s site, stating that the news site’s views are not consistent with those of Kellogg’s. To me, that kind of mindset seems very petty and spiteful. Hopefully that mindset doesn’t seep into Bannon’s strategies.

Next is proposed Attorney General Jeff Sessions, an Alabama senator who was once denied a judge position for his racist views. Sessions once said that he thought the KKK were all right until he found out that some of them smoked pot, called an African-American civil-rights attorney “boy,” and deemed the NAACP “un-American and Communist-inspired.” This is the guy that will be the “people’s lawyer.” Good luck, people.

A light at the end of the tunnel is Trump’s appointed UN ambassador, Nikki R. Haley from South Carolina, who was an early critic of Trump’s campaign. The fact that she wasn’t on the Trump train from the start could indicate some very welcome sanity in Trump’s motley crew of a cabinet. Time will tell.

Keenan’s CookingKeenan Corner: Try Latkes this Holiday Season McAuliffe ’18, Staff Writer

Directions:

Ingredients:

32 cups peeled and shredded potatoes 1 tablespoon grated onion 3 eggs, beaten

2 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons salt

½ cup of peanut oil for frying

1. Place potatoes in a cotton cloth and wring to extract as much moisture as possible.

2. In a medium bowl, stir in the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, and salt together.

3. In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until hot. Place large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down on them to form ¼ to ½ inch thick patties. Brown on one side, turn and brown on the other. Let drain on paper towels.

Serve hot!

Latkes go SUPER WELL with applesauce (trust me!)