1
October, 2023 | Issue 1
By Rianna Kalra
Are you ready for all the candies, costume competitions, and pumpkin carving contests? Well, the time has arrived! But do you ever wonder how these unique Halloween traditions started? Approximately 2000 years ago, the Celts—who are now known as the Indo-European people, acknowledged the new year to be in the starting of November. They celebrated the new year, also known as the festival of Samhain, one day before November: October 31st. November was the month where the days became longer and darker, the winters were getting colder, and death became more frequent. Additionally, crops and plantations suffered from the extreme cold and harsh weather. The Celts believed that the reason for all the mishappenings was because the portal between the living and the dead was opened.
The spirits and souls of the dead were on Earth, and although some of the spirits were the family members or loved ones of the Celts, some of them were unholy. So, to ward off the evil spirits, people lit bonfires and recited scriptures on top of the hills on October 31st. The Celts wore masks, animal heads & skins and several other disguises to avoid being recognized by the ghosts that were present on Earth. Eventually, when the Romans took over the Celtic territories, the Celtic traditions became wholly westernized, and the festival of Samhain was replaced with a church-related holiday to honor the dead. The concept of Halloween has spread globally, incorporating new traditions like parties, trick-or-treating, and pumpkin carving, shaping the celebration as we know it today around the world. 2
October, 2023 | Issue 1
By: Saarah Ali Want to learn how to draw a semi-realistic skull? Well here's how I do it. Remember to use a reference! Step 1: Draw a quick contour of the skull using your reference.
Step 4: Lightly shade the areas hidden from your light source.
Step 2: Clean up your lineart (lightly erase your contour and define your lines).
Step 5: Add depth by shading darker corners in the already shaded areas furthest away from the light source. Create value.
Step 3: Darken your lines and add the smaller details of the skull (i.e., the teeth, cracks, dents).
Step 6: Blend your values to create a smooth gradient. You can use a finger, q-tip or any blending tool. I used my finger. Add any extra details necessary and you're done!
3
October, 2023 | Issue 1 This diagnosis led to the most notorious witch hunt in history.
By Isabella Bian Mass hysteria reached its peak during the late 17th century when both European and American colonists became obsessed with the idea that there were evil beings present amongst them. This, fueled by prejudice and politics, caused the deaths of over twenty innocent individuals over the span of one year. After multiple disputes and disagreements on who would become the next minister of Salem Village, a religious man by the name of Samuel Parris was elected for the position. God and religion played a prominent part in the everyday lives of the community in Salem. In the religious medieval era, it was believed and taught that the devil had the authority to give evil beings, known as witches, the power to harm others in exchange for loyalty. Around 1692, young girls, including nine-yearold Betty and eleven-year-old Abigail, the daughter and niece of Sameul Parris, began demonstrating a series of peculiar actions that would become a serious cause of concern. In the community, where the fear of witchcraft had already been permeating throughout Salem, townspeople began worrying something more sinister was brewing. The town physician and minister were called to the home, and they established that Betty and Abigail were suffering from “bewitchment.”
The people of Salem were quick to point to fingers at the oppressed. The first woman to be arrested and jailed was Tituba, the slave of the Parris family. She pleaded with the people who were making these accusations, but because she was a slave, no one believed her or even bothered listening. The injustice Tituba faced would serve as the beginning of the Salem Witch Trials. The first women accused were those who strayed from the Puritan lifestyle or of lower status. However, as time progressed and paranoia increased, even the upstanding women in the community were accused and executed. Mostly women who were often regarded as “lesser” by their male partners were accused and executed. Various servants, native Americans, and slaves also raised suspicion in practicing witchcraft because of the prejudiced community. Even those who possessed ointments or horoscopes were assumed to be participating in witchcraft. Colonial authorities pardoned some of the accused and their families in 1711. However, Elizabeth Johnson Jr., the final Salem “Witch” convicted and whose name had not yet been cleared, was not declared innocent until July 2022.
Martha Corey, last woman executed
4
October, 2023 | Issue 1
By Gurnoor Bassi
1. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane This beauty product helps reduce fine lines, pigmentation, congestion, and more! The product can be harsh depending on skin type, but you can use it three days a week. If your skin tolerates it, you can use retinol every day. You can order it online on their website or go to a local Sephora. You can purchase a 30 mL bottle for $9.70.
2. The Ordinary Glycolic 7% Toning Solution The toner can even texture and hyperpigmentation. It especially helps with hyperpigmentation on armpits. Over time, using the product can reduce skin texture and lighten armpits. The toner can be used once a day using a cotton pad and comes in a 250 mL bottle for $15.20 CAD.
3. Vaseline Lip Therapy Balm (Rose) The lip balm stops dead skin from forming by moisturizing the lips. The lip balm is pink; a perfect tint on your lips. It makes your smile shine and accentuates your teeth. Available on Amazon for $6.55
4. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream The eye cream reduces eye bags and hyperpigmentation and is essential in your skincare routine after moisturizer. It doesn’t burn your eyes and makes a difference over time! You have to be consistent and use it at night. Sephora sells it at $14.99 for a 15mL bottle.
5. FRAMAR Pastel Hair Clips The hair clips are strong and push pieces of hair and baby hairs from your face. The clips work best when doing your makeup or washing your face. They come in pretty pastel colors. You can purchase these clips at Amazon.ca for $10.
6. BAIMEI Jade Roller and Gua Sha This jade roller is paired perfectly with cold water, creating a soothing sensation on your face. There’s a small side perfect for under the eyes and a large side for the cheeks and neck. The Gua Sha helps relieve pain and drains lymphatic fluid to reduce inflammation. You can purchase this set on Amazon for $13.57.
5
October, 2023 | Issue 1
By Dominic Chan In the ever-changing landscape of education, technology continues to play a crucial role in changing the way students learn and teachers instruct. The most significant technological advancement that has had a global impact on schools is ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence language model developed by OpenAI. As it seems, the introduction of AI has only been a detriment to the education system, presenting educators with an ethical dilemma. ChatGPT’s ability to write essays, produce complex code, and more, has resulted in many students using it to complete assignments with minimal effort or thought. Furthermore, the content produced by the AI is difficult to trace back to the source, making it almost impossible to accurately detect on a large scale. Educators are therefore left with the monumental task of evaluating potentially AIgenerated content, having to choose between spending hours ensuring authenticity and giving students the benefit of the doubt. Naturally, AI is not the first technological development to present such an issue to the education system. When the internet was initially introduced, plagiarism checkers were practically nonexistent, presenting a similar issue. Fortunately,
the problem was solved over time, as plagiarism became easier to detect as the technology became more advanced. The difference in the case of AI, is its ability to grow and learn exponentially. Unlike plagiarism, AI can continue to develop alongside its countermeasures, resulting in a recursive loop in which AI-generated content ultimately remains undetectable. Despite the pressing issue, there is one factor above all that can prevent the growing mistrust between students and teachers: integrity. If AI continues to be used to bypass educational challenge and experience, educators will only become more and more skeptical, which only causes more problems. Students will have to wait weeks to receive their grades, or may simply outright fail despite making authentic submissions, while teachers will have their time wasted checking for the use of AI. All of the above could be prevented if students choose to maintain academic integrity and halt the issue of AI-based plagiarism. Regardless, the decision is ultimately in the hands of the students themselves, and their choice will decide the fate of the education system in the coming era of artificial intelligence.
6
October, 2023 | Issue 1
“MOODY MARY” BY FANG LU
HALLOWEEN SPECIAL
7
October, 2023 | Issue 1
By Rawan Kaber This season, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and explore the delicious, cinnamon-scented world of handmade Cinnamon buns. As you savor each bite, you'll find that there's no better way to welcome the beauty of autumn into your home.
Ingredients: Dough 2 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup granulated sugar ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup whole milk 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 and ¼ teaspoons yeast 1 large egg Filling 3 tablespoons unsalted butter ⅓ cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ⅔ powdered sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions: 1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Place aside. 2. Combine the milk and butter in a bowl. Microwave the butter until it has melted and the mixture is warm to the touch. Whisk in the yeast until dissolved. Pour mixture into dry ingredients, add the egg, and stir until a soft dough forms. 3. Transfer the dough into a floured work surface. Knead the dough for 3-5 minute using floured hands until a smooth ball of dough is formed. If the dough is too soft or sticky add a little more flour. Place in a bowl and cover loosely, let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. 4. Fill the rolls: After 10 minutes, roll the dough out in a rectangle shape. Spread the softened butter on top. Mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar. Sprinkle mixture over the dough. Roll up the dough to form a log. Cut into even rolls and arrange in a lightly greased pan of choice. 5. Rise: Cover the pan with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the rolls to rise in a relatively warm environment for 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size. 6. Bake the rolls: After the rolls have doubled in size, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until lightly browned. If you notice the tops are getting too brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil and continue baking. 7. Make the icing: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the butter and beat until smooth and combined, then beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla until combined. Generously, drizzle the icing over the warm rolls and it is ready to be served! 8
October, 2023 | Issue 1
It’s no surprise that Halloween is one of the most awaited holidays—from trick or treating to scaring friends and family, Halloween is an unforgettable day! But let’s admit it—finding the perfect costume is always such a hassle. Whether it’s outdated, uncomfortable, or pricey, it seems to be impossible to find the perfect costume. Click the images for links!
Contributor Pavni Dixit
We all know that there’s been a lot going on in the world of pop culture this year, from Taylor Swift’s massive success with the Eras Tour to the release of Disney’s The Little Mermaid as well Publication as the return of Loki: Season 2. Take a look at these iconic Pop Culture outfits! Warner & Spencer
1. Taylor Swift With the release of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)”, the awaited “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” and the mega hit of the Eras Tour, there’s no doubt that Taylor certainly gained a ton of popularity this year. Here are some Taylor-inspired Halloween outfits for you to get in your “Eras” era!
2. Barbie Barbie was a super hit this year! With stunning backgrounds, a star filled cast, incredible musical numbers, and a few celebrity cameos, the Barbie movie is perfect for everyone! Here are some Barbie themed outfits for you to channel your inner “kenergy” this fall!
3. The Super Mario Bros Movie The Super Mario Bros movie was a nostalgic one! The memories of playing Super Mario Bros video games and with little mini action figures just comes rushing back in. Take a look at these “super” costumes!
9
October, 2023 | Issue 1
W
elco
me t
o
the
Poetry Corner
The Veiled Heart by Hiba Muhammad
The heart veiled by a grinning face Held wide from cheek to teeth Bitten, bitter, but won’t bleed Autumn’s leaves cover summer’s garden Like embroidery, beautifying its intricacy The grass hadn’t been laid upon for so long Hot, hot, the burning pot Poured over tea leaves and honey It’s so sweet to see the colours change The swirl of fresh aroma is so lovely The heart veiled by silent actions and watchful eyes Invisible to the man who sees only with his head But encaptures those who get drunk on the fresh aroma And remember the grass of summer’s garden as their warm bed
10
October, 2023 | Issue 1
Mr. Darkness By Mira Douglas
Hey there Mr. Darkness, What’s it like up there in the mind? Do the trees grow too tall, Do the birds chirp too loud? Are the houses not sturdy enough, Are the doors too creaky? Does the not-so-hollow wind unsettle, Does the dirt seem too dry? Are the ocean waves too overwhelming, Are the flowers too unclean? Do you hear the screeching in the distance, It’s sharp like a butcher’s knife. Do you feel the sharp metal? It’s trailing your skin. Hey there Mr. Darkness, What’s it like up there in the mind? 11
October, 2023 | Issue 1
Lamentations by Rita Bhowmik Two hundred and seventy handwritten letters Folded into a pile of cranes I’ve heard the name of your secret lover Echo incessantly in your desolate brain Hades sent you gifts every night A broken mirror, a bag of seeds Expensive perfume and bottles of wine You’d break those bottles, and cut till you bleed I watched you stare in that fractured mirror Your face stared back, slit out of proportion You thought; a present from your lover What a loving gesture, a thoughtful notion My daughter, you know I will always love you But you followed that man like a moth to the flame Those words in those letters, you hoped they were true Because he wrote them in blood, and he wrote them by hand She lies - my daughter - on her bedroom floor A great gash in her chest, from which furls out flowers Deadly nightshade blocking the door Her window is open at the witching hour. I noticed too late - it’s the start of December, Her lips have turned such a violet shade From the bag of seeds that Hades sent her Grows rotting fruits and violent hate My girl, my girl - how could you? How could you? You left her to die like a lamb to the slaughter I'll die on her grave, that’s the last thing I’ll do Hades - how could you take my daughter? 12
October, 2023 | Issue 1
The Scent of Home by Ayesha Naiyar
Sitting in the verandah out front, Sipping tea and looking around, I see; The lush, green pastures, and, An ancient well under the mango tree. The city offered a job, but what else? Inhaling the fresh air, I thought; The swings and slides brought back memories, And soon, in nostalgia, I was caught. The sound of laughter, the chitter-chatter, Of friends and cousins long lost; My mother chastising me when I, Played for long hours in the frost.
The peaceful chaos in the morning, And the deafening quiet at night; My father telling stories of old legends, That gave us all a terrible fright. Reminiscing these memories, I muse, That in all the cities and places I roam; Never have I experienced euphoria, Quite like the scent of home.
October, 2023 | Issue 1
ff o t o H s! s e r the P
by Akshat Shukla Meet our new 9th-grade reps, Aditya Dutta and Adesh Gill. They plan to bring some great improvements to our school. Aditya in his speech said “High school only happens once,” and wishes to make it a memorable year for all 9th graders. He will also be advocating for proper bathroom hygiene. Adesh wants more school involvement, a closer school environment, and will be promoting inclusion on the school council. Let’s give it up for our new 9th grade reps!
“High school only happens once.” Aditya Dutta
14
October, 2023 | Issue 1
By Maya Sinanan Are you planning a horror movie marathon this Halloween? Horror is one of the most controversial movie genres out there and only true horror movie lovers would watch them all year. Some people are stimulated by the frightening events occurring in the movies, some people dislike watching them due to the violence, or others just don’t want to attempt watching due to the stigma associated with how disturbing the movies are thought to be.
Adding on, sometimes horror movies enhance our curiosity about real-life events that can be considered dangerous, so we can know what occurs if we do a specific action and what could be the consequences of performing it. For example, if you want to jump off a cliff or do another dangerous action, horror movies would show what can happen if we do so and subsequently would presumably put a petrifying spin on it.
Do you ever wonder why we love watching horror movies or why you hate them so much? According to scientific research, when we watch horror movies, our blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate increases substantially due to sudden interest in the movie which remains high even when the movie is finished. Our thoughts and feelings about the movie become intensified after watching the movie, and therefore we only recall the moments of excitement we have after watching the movie; not the terrifying experience we had while watching it.
Additionally, horror movies show how different people think under pressure. For psychology lovers, horror movies are very interesting and captivating especially when inquiring about the minds at work within the movie.
For the people who hate horror movies; you most likely remember the experience you had by watching the movie and probably weren’t stimulated enough. If you are a horror movie lover, the stimulation created by horror movies gives you adrenaline which can affect you positively physically or mentally. On the other hand, if you dislike the genre, you are likely triggered by certain events and emotions depending on your level of sensitivity.
Lastly, people watch horror movies because they are different (anomal) from regular life. For instance, in horror movies, there is always a sort of endangerment added in the plot to gain curiosity and fascination, and the incredible, various visual effects compared to regular movies. This encourages people to keep watching. To conclude, the involvement of liking or disliking horror movies relies on our experiences, personality, and how our mind works. If you have not watched a horror movie just yet, try to watch one this Halloween; it might become your favorite movie genre!
15
October, 2023 | Issue 1
By Riya Vachhani Book: The Cheat Sheet Author: Sarah Adams Meet the Characters: Bree Camden: A ballet instructor Suffered a career-ending injury in high school, preventing her from accepting her Juliard offer Nathan Donelson: NFL player Known as Nathan/Nate (will be used interchangeably) Kelsey: Nate’s girlfriend in the beginning of the story (side character, but important to the review) You may notice that both the main characters seem relatively flat. This also somewhat contributed to why the book fell short of my expectations.
Plot Summary: After pining for years, Bree gets drunk at an event and declares her “unrequited” love for Nathan Donelson to what seems to be a trustworthy woman. Little does Bree know, that woman was actually a news reporter, and released a video of Bree in her most vulnerable state. NFL fans immediately began feeding into the two characters’ dynamic. Because this was such useful publicity for Nate’s team, the pair were coerced into fake dating for the fans. Unbeknownst to each other, they both wanted the relationship to be real. Flip to page 15 to read Riya’s review of “The Cheat Sheet”! 16
The Review:
October, 2023 | Issue 1
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams takes the readers through the long awaited, fictional love story of Bree Camden and Nathan Donelson. Though the story seems sweet at first, I personally believe that the book raises more concerns than sweet nothings and happy endings. Don’t get me wrong—making a political statement through literature is always welcome, timeless even. However, this novel was marketed as a romantic comedy but fell short of that genre. Only two pages into the book, Adams already pits two women against each other. Bree walks into Nate’s home, without knocking or calling, knowing that he’s currently dating Kelsey– and is somehow shocked when she wants to set some boundaries. Later on, in Bree’s internal monologue, she says “I have no idea how he spends time with this woman. She seems so opposite of the type of person I would pick for him– they all do.” (Adams 2). This specific quote highlights Bree’s negative characteristics because firstly, I personally feel that calling a woman who is simply advocating for her needs and wants in a relationship “this woman” comes off unnecessarily condescending and, truthfully, patronizing. Second, “they all do” does nothing but further contribute to the generalization of “feminine” women. In addition to this, Bree herself admits that she was being condescending toward Kelsey in the quote, “I try not to look too patronizing when I give her an over-the-top Okay honey turned-down smile and nod.” (Adams 8).
Returning to the book’s plot, an argument quickly arises between the two women. This argument then leads to a strange battle for power and demonstrates Bree’s strong God complex. This is evident in the dragged-out poker analogy, “See, here’s the problem. She says the words my boyfriend like they should be trump cards. Like she just tossed them on the table and I’m supposed to gasp and close my hands over my mouth in shock. My heavens! She won! Little does she know, her card is the equivalent of a lonesome five of clubs. Girlfriends come and go in Nathan’s life like fad diets. Me, on the other hand– I was here long before two-faced Kelsey, and I’ll be here long after, because I am Nathan’s best friend.” (Adams 7). Although Kelsey pretending to not know who Bree is at the beginning of their interaction is a little uncalled for, so is Bree’s attempt at abusing the power she holds in Nathan’s life. Secondly, almost all the characters in The Cheat Sheet lack maturity. Bree and Nathan are in their 30s, yet lack basic communication skills. Although confessing your love may be difficult, it’s simply unrealistic that neither of them, in the 15 years that they’ve known each other, have considered communicating their feelings. You can’t fully blame Bree, since Nathan essentially lets her run around and control his life.
17
October, 2023 | Issue 1 For example, “I’m sorry if she made you feel bad. I didn’t realize she was like that toward you or I would have broken up with her a long time ago.” (Adams 15). Bree and Nate then continue to make fun of Kelsey for trying to set boundaries and not wanting to compete with Bree. In short, Bree and Nate make a mockery of real life cross-sex friendships, because unlike most people, these two actually do have ulterior motives. Next, although it may just be out of kindness and empathy, Nathan continuously attempts to pay for Bree despite her repeatedly refusing. At some point he even goes as far as buying her studio and decreasing Bree’s rent. At first, it is sweet but the constant comparison of Bree and Nathan’s financial situations create an uncomfortable power dynamic, which only encourages Bree’s unnecessary infantilization. My final critique of The Cheat Sheet focuses more on the plot itself rather than the issues it brings up. Throughout the story, Bree and Nate keep insinuating a terrible incident from when they were in high school, and it isn’t clearly mentioned in the entire novel. This may have been to leave a mysterious aura, however, it just felt like a forgotten plot point and leaves the audience longing for some sort of closure. Ultimately, The Cheat Sheet may have been a cute read at a glance. However, it seems that Adams was attempting to make the characters “quirky” and loveable, but failed and made them rather insufferable, and the plot hole towards the end of the book does not help its case. 18
October, 2023 | Issue 1
By Emma Weir The blonde hair, blue eyed, and red lip pop singer we all know has more to her story than just the breakup songs she writes. Something unique that makes Taylor Swift stand out from any other artist in the music industry is her fanbase.
Who are the “Swifties”? The relationship Taylor has with her fans is like no other. Right from the beginning of her career with the Fearless tour, to the current Era’s tour, fans have been able to consider themselves “swifties”. As Taylor Swift’s popularity has grown over time, it has become evident that she is an inspiration and a role model to a variety of age groups. Through all of the hate she has received, she is able to push through it by standing up for herself and staying true to who she is. Swift is someone everyone wants to get to know, as she shows the qualities of a good person who is kind, loyal, confident,
humorous and individuals tend to be attracted to someone who shows good in the world, which Taylor does in countless ways. Taylor Swift has inspired people to not give up on their dreams even when they seem impossible to achieve. Swift’s career started when she was only 14 years old and at that age, she never imagined she would become this big of an artist. Swift worked hard for her success and never gave up, even when times were rough. Ultimately, fans are able to find comfort in the lyrics she writes because she writes songs about relatable topics such as anxiety, depression, high school, friends, family, being in love, and breakups. Every song Swift writes is written with raw emotion and experience. As Taylor Swift continues to make more music, the Swifties will continue to be there to support her.
19