The
Brightside ISSUE 03 AUGUST 2020
THEÂ AFTERMATH OF THE BEIRUT BLAST EXAMS TAKE A U-TURN DEAR NHS... STOCK MARKET ON THE RISE
LONG TERM IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE ENVIRONMENT THE HOPEFUL NATURE OF HUMANKIND
AND MUCH MUCH MORE...
The Brightside table of contents
03
Letter From the Editor 12
2 1 12
16
04 World
14 Local 20 Business
26
Science & Medicine
34 Environment
32
36
38 Ents & Arts
46 Sports
42
47
The Brightside @thebrightsidemz | Â support@thebrightsidemag.co.uk www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
AUGUST 2020 EDITOR'S LETTER nother
A
month,
magazine, so
it's
quickly.
another
all
happening
August
has
been
such a wonderful journey with bringing on board a team of writers,
editors
and
more
in
order for The Brightside to
work like a well-oiled machine (read more on
the
'About
website)!
the
With
Team'
more
page
writers,
we
on
our
hope
to
cater to a wider audience and introduce a whole
new
brighten
world
your
day
of and
topics
which
inspire
you
will
to
do
good too. You may notice in this magazine, the
format
has
altered,
again,
slightly
to
draw attention to the longer, more insightful and
thought-provoking
positive-news
articles written by our own writers, with the top 3 good-news headlines at the start of each
section.
We
hope
you
enjoy
this
change since you will not be rereading the same or similar content from previous social media posts. Furthermore, compared to working solo with the
previous
team,
it
two
has
magazines
not
only
to
been
having
much
a
more
enjoyable but also much more manageable to organise. For example, this month's cover was designed by our visual lead and factchecker, Risha Leann VillezaI who created a
Anastasia Toha, Editor in Chief
wonderful amalgamation of the images and ideas
I
threw
at
her
to
create
a
design
based on the u-turn of examination grades in the UK. I would love to give everyone on this team and individual shoutout for their hard-work, however, we would be here all day! And I'm sure with everyone doing their individual part, we can continue to deliver good
news
to
your
doorstep,
even
when
school starts.
close, it is inevitable that we will get busy settling
people,
into
exams,
school,
and
the
meeting list
goes
new on!
Therefore, we will do our best to release a monthly busy
magazine,
schedules,
released
the
power
article
of
GenZ's
thanking
the
however,
due
magazines
every-other-month
or
to
our
might
be
quarterly.
We will be sure to update you all on when the magazine will be released on our social But,
we
activism,
NHS
and
an the
announcement to our logo competition. This month, we have continued on these themes by writing 'sister' articles, firstly, an interview with two GenZers and their perspective on media, we compiled comments from why you, the reader, were thankful for the NHS, and lastly, a Q&A with the winner of the logo competition and their artistic process when it came
to
designing
it.
will
still
post
daily
This
is
just
a
brief
snapshot of what we have in store for you, I hope you all find something that enhances and
moves
wonderful
you. team
Thank who
happen!
media accounts, so keep your eyes and ears open.
online
youth activism, secondly, from a poll on social
On that note, with the Autumn term drawing with
Last month, we wrote an article highlighting
good-
news-stories on our social media accounts, and articles on daily heroes.
WWW.THEBRIGHTSIDEMAG.CO.UK support@thebrightsidemag.co.uk
you made
again this
to
the
edition
TOP READS OF THE MONTH
WORLD PLACE QUESTION STICKER HERE
READ FULL STORY ON INSTAGRAM @THEBRIGHTSIDEMZ
4
The Brightside
1.
BLACK VETERAN SERVING LIFE SENTENCE FOR MARIJUANA FREED AFTER A DECADE IN PRISON
2.
PHILADELPHIA PUPILS WILL RECEIVE FREE INTERNET TO TACKLE DIGITAL INEQUALITY
3.
GIANT PANDA, MEI XIANG, GIVES BIRTH TO HEALTHY CUB IN THE NATIONAL ZOO IN WASHINGTON DC
Gen Z: Who are they in their own words? In
the
previous
issue,
we
expressed how we believed more young people resorted to online activism
due
to
lockdown
and
consequently thought that in the future, more Gen-Zers will voice their opinions. However, that was only
our
opinion;
therefore,
we
sat down and interviewed some other
Gen-Zers
perspective online
on
to
get
global
activism
their
affairs,
and
the
importance of youth vocation.
Sophia Wolfram Do you feel that lockdown has made you and your friends more involved in current affairs? Overall, I think it has. Though a lot of us were already engaged in current affairs, lockdown has forced them more into our view. Since COVID-19 is so close to home, having affected all of our lives, we can no longer distance ourselves from the current affairs in the news. During lockdown, we have been living through a current affair, so I want to know everything I can about our current situation, a shared feeling with a lot of my friends. In addition to this, lockdown has given me a lot more time, both with the cancellation of exams and school closing. This means that there is time to indulge my other interests and keeping up with the news of the world is an important part of that. As lots of my generation have also had this time more people have been active on social media and have reported on current affairs near them. In itself that makes the information more engaging to me, I have a stronger affiliation to those reporters and what they are presenting is often more geared towards my views. Therefore I think lockdown has made me more involved in current affairs because it has brought them closer and changed the way they are stereotypically presented—they are more real, so I am more invested.
Which current issue do you think needs to be talked about more? There are so many problems which deserve to be talked about more, and not enough time to give them all justice, however one issue that I feel has been overlooked by the West is the deteriorating fight in Israel. This fight is between Israeli-Jews and Arab-Palestinians and has become one of the world’s longest, most complex and divisive conflicts. At the heart of the disagreement is religion. Both sides lay claim the same holy land, with evidence dating back thousands of years proving that it was their ancestors who discovered it. The most obvious answer is to form two separate states, one Israel and one Palestine, however, deciding which state should house these religious sites is much easier said than done. Recently the violence in this conflict has escalated—with the white Phosphorus attack in Gaza— where Israeli police used a military-grade weapon for protesters. By doing this the Israeli police are signalling that they are ready to fight this like a full-blown war. If this situation cannot be resolved then many more lives will be lost and the sacred sites being argued over could also be compromised. We need to be talking about this more, to raise awareness and prevent escalating disruption.
Do you think Gen Z will make the world a better place? As a generation, we have a huge potential to change the world for the better. We have the technology, connection
and
infrastructure
which
could
allow
a
faster
solution
to
problems
than
was
previously
possible. On top of this, the internet—which we were born alongside—provides a platform for change like never before. More people can speak out, connect and work on their little save the world project. When all these projects are taken together, I think the world will slowly become a better place. However, there are caveats to this golden future. There are more people on the planet than ever before, the gap between rich and poor is a growing chasm, as are the problems we currently face. To face these issues head-on we must be united, and overcome the polarisation which is spreading today. I believe that if we manage to unite, Gen Z can make the world a better place, even if that is a challenge in itself.
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5
Kristen Chiaranussati Do you feel that lockdown has made yourself and your friends more involved with current affairs? Absolutely. In lockdown, I’ve seen a huge rise in online activism, and so many more people around me have
started
themselves
to
about
educate
global
issues
and speak out about them. I think that
part
of
the
reason
for
this
was that lockdown got rid of many distractions
we
typically
get
caught up in, and gave us a lot more free time to look beyond our little bubbles and read up about other
world
being
stuck
time,
many
issues. at
Additionally,
home
for
people
a
long
turned
to
technology to keep up with what was going on in the outside world, and in doing so, were exposed to current affairs more. The beauty of social media is that it’s like a one stop shop where you can hear the
voices
of
people
from
different parts of the world, who all fight for different issues, and there’s
so
much
value
in
that
diversity. For me, lockdown gave me the time to do something I had been wanting to do for a long time – create an online news platform, Narrative Collections, with my friend Jiya. A big part of the job involves reading a ton of articles – whether they are submissions for our website, news articles for our weekly recommendations on Instagram, or part of my research for the pieces I write myself, it’s been so eye-opening and has really helped me to be so much more aware of the world around me. So, overall I’d say that the increased time spent on social media, combined with the recent spike in popularity of online activism, has had a big impact on me and my friends and really encouraged us to get more involved with current affairs.
Which current issue do you think needs to be talked about more?
I
definitely
hope
so.
The
rise
of
social
The refugee crisis. When refugees are brought up in
justice movements amongst Gen Zs, such
politics
or
as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, gives
always
negative
in
the
media,
portrayal
will continue the fight for equality, and
conversation is rarely centred around how we can
shows me that we aren’t afraid to stand
help
up
them,
together
and
to
are
and
keep
how
address
other the
usually
almost
me hope that our generation is one that
avoid
they
is
the
to
--
the
as
something
out
--
countries
root
of
seen
the
but
can
work
problem.
for
what’s
encourages
right.
me
is
Another the
thing
big
that
focus
on
People need to understand that our respect for
environmental
human life cannot end at a country border, and just
generation, and I really hope that all the
because someone is not like us, that does not mean
emphasis
that are any less deserving of help. I think that we
climate change recently will translate into
have
positive
failed
to
humanise
refugees
–
we
have
that
action
protection has that
amongst
been can
this
placed
truly
make
on a
normalised the tragedies they are too often faced
difference. I believe that if we continue
with, and we forget that they are human beings
to push for a world that is better for all,
with the same exact capacity for emotion as us.
we’ll start to see an upwards trajectory in
Instead of sweeping the problem under the rug and
the
ignoring
changes that come with it.
would
it
because
talk
about
it’s
far
away,
it
more,
compassion for these refugees.
6
Do you think Gen Z will make the world a better place?
The Brightside
I
and
wish have
people more
years
to
come
and
some
great
01-31 Aug 2020
Why did you become an online activist? I recognise that I am extremely privileged,
Do you think online activism achieves anything/leads to change?
and
of
Definitely. Online activism has the power to
responsibility. I am so fortunate to have the
with
privilege
create concrete change in the real world,
power to make my voice heard, but unlike
and
me,
awareness and educates people, which is
so
many
comes
others
a
are
lot
extremely
marginalised and have no way of fighting
even
where
it
does
not,
it
raises
extremely important too.
against the horrible injustices they face. As someone
who
comes
from
a
position
of
We
can’t
talk
about
activism
in
2020
privilege, it would be very wrong for me to
without addressing the Black Lives Matter
think only about myself and use what I have
(BLM) movement, because that was a huge
been
own
catalyst in the growing popularity of online
advantage. By staying silent and observing
activism, and it proved to the world how
injustices
powerful
blessed
with
that
solely
happen
for
around
my the
world
an
really
What
a
George Floyd’s video became a movement
popular one by Archbishop Desmond Tutu:
that took social media by storm, and all of
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice,
this quickly translated into protests all over
you have chosen the side of the oppressor”.
the USA and other parts of the world. The
quote
that
sums
it
up
is
widespread
is.
just
A
the
voice
started
that.
with
online
without doing anything about it, I am doing
sharing
of
collective effort of all these activists led to So, I feel that it is my duty to use the online
real changes, such as elevating the charges
platform that I have, albeit small, to raise
of
awareness for these important issues that
murder, and the widespread attention on
are often ignored. Even if I just make a tiny
social
impact
funds to support the movement too.
on
one
person’s
life,
that’s
better
the
police media
officers was
involved
instrumental
in in
Floyd’s raising
than nothing, and it makes the effort worth it to me.
Do you think it is important for young peoples’ voices to be heard? If so, why?
Which issue matters to you most at the moment and why?
Yes, I do. Ultimately, we are the ones who
Big humanitarian crises such as the one in
will be most impacted by the decisions that
Yemen -- the biggest humanitarian crisis of
are being made today, and it is important
all time. As a society, we have normalised
that
suffering in the Middle East, and so many of
our
opinions
are
taken
into
account
when making these decisions. The validity of
us
a
desensitised to it. Because the problem is so
person’s
opinions
should
not
be
have
made
of
becoming
severe,
assume
not
almost incomprehensible, so lots of people
make
ignore it and tell themselves that it’s too far
that
away to care about. It breaks my heart to
and
think about such great suffering on a scale
valuable perspective, and that we have a lot
like this, and given the huge scale of these
to
However,
crises I find it frustrating how little coverage
one thing I’d say to fellow young people is
they get -- in the media, in politics and even
that we also have a duty to speak up. If we
in the discussions we have in our own lives.
want to have a say in our own future, we
Because of extreme political strife, innocent
need to start actively reading up on current
people are dying by the millions, and the
affairs,
longer we ignore it, the worse it’s going to
mature
or
all
young
experienced
sound
choices.
young
people
contribute
We
can to
forming
people enough
must provide
the
our
to
recognise a
unique
discussion.
own
are
opinions
fighting for what we think is right.
and
seems
mistake
determined by age alone, and it’s unfair to that
it
the
unsalvageable
and
is
get.
topics which matter to the youth, check out Narrative Collections, 'a platform that provides easy-to-read coverage of global issues, aimed at youth.' : https://www.narrativecollections.org/ If you'd like to dwell deeper into
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
7
World What Went Right In 2020 (so far)
by Averielle Cordoves editor Anastasia Toha Massive Australian fires. The death of Kobe Bryant. Drone attacks in the Middle East. Over 600,000 deaths and 17 million cases worldwide due to the COVID - 19. It would be an understatement to say that this year has been the worst possible end of another decade. But as we get ready to survive another week in quarantine, it’s key that we all start learning how to adjust and embrace this new norm day by day. To help us with that, let's remember
01
some of the most positive, uplifting moments and events that have happened in 2020 so far.
Not all heroes wear capes Some wear masks. While people all over the
world
indoors, Health around
are
spending
volunteers Service) the
needed
their NHS
workers
clock.
for
medicines,
and
are
“The
working
helpers
are
food
and
patients
to
delivering driving
summer (National
appointments and phoning the isolated. The scheme is one of a number aimed at relieving pressure on the NHS.” Stated a BBC news story on 25th of March 2020. During
the
according
to
past BBC
month
of
News,
over
March, half
a
million people volunteered to help the NHS fight against coronavirus, doubling the UK governments recruitment target. In addition to thousands of people taking action, a number of celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift and organisations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are doing
their
best
to
make
a
positive
impact
by
donating
funds
to
various
causes
and
organisations that are focused on helping those in need during this pandemic. A number of stars have also been said to be participating in a 24-hour global live stream event, ‘The Call to Unite’ in order to inspire the masses. There are several more heroes out there taking part in efforts to help people all over the world get through this extremely difficult time.
Air pollution plummets While
the
COVID-19
pandemic
is
certainly
not
what
the
world had in mind for 2020 and most people might consider it one of the worst events that have happened in history, that doesn’t mean that it’s the only way to look at it. “Lockdowns restricting travel and industry imposed to halt the spread of coronavirus have resulted in unprecedented reductions in deadly air pollution around the world, new analysis shows.” Reported CNN. Another news story from CNN, updated on the 23rd of April 2020, showed that some major cities that have suffered from the world’s worst air pollution in previous years
have
seen
drastic
reductions
of
deadly
particulate
matter by up to 60% from the previous year because of a three-week
lockdown.
IQAir’s
marketing
specialist
Kelsey
Duska states in the same story, "In our recovery from the pandemic,
it's
important
that
we
strive
to
preserve
the
cleaner environment, which protects our health from another invisible killer, air pollution," she said. "We hope that the urgency in tackling this global pandemic may be matched in addressing air pollution.”
8
The Brightside
02
01-31 Aug 2020
Besides the fact that the coronavirus has given us good news by bringing out the best in people {in the forms of thousands of people reaching out} and drastic reductions in air pollution, it also serves as a much-needed wake-up call for the future. As stated in a CNN story by Helen Regan published on the 8th of April 2020, “ Coronavirus is proving that it is possible to make dramatic changes and economic sacrifices to save lives.” In short, this pandemic has proved to the entire world that when we do take a step forward whenever times of difficulty call us to stand together and stay positive, we can only get closer to our goal of creating a better world. So, let’s change our perspective on things and don’t forget to always look on the brightside.
03 in order to avert the worst impacts of a global crisis, world leaders need to come together to make a bold change. That means enacting policies, investing in Coronavirus has shown that
innovative green technology, switching to clean energy and getting the
public to
change their daily habits. The world has been given a trial run in global crisis management. It shouldn't waste it.
["Coronavirus: Thousands volunteer to help NHS with ... - BBC." 25 Mar. 2020, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52029877. Accessed 29 Jul. 2020.] ["These
are
the
biggest
celebrity
donations
to
Covid-19
relief
...."
https://www.vogue.com.au/celebrity/news/these-are-the-biggest-celebrity-donations-to-covid19-relief-
efforts/news-story/1b6a2a848fed8afc2147098fb6f23824. Accessed 29 Jul. 2020.] ["Air pollution falls by unprecedented levels in major global ...." 23 Apr. 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/22/world/air-pollution-reduction-cities-coronavirus-intl-hnk/index.html. Accessed 29 Jul. 2020.] ["The
world
is
coming
together
to
fight
coronavirus.
It
can
do
the
...."
8
Apr.
2020,
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/18/world/coronavirus-and-climate-crisis-response-intl-
hnk/index.html. Accessed 29 Jul. 2020.]
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9
World Janmashtami-A Path Towards Being a Better Human by Vasundhara Chaudhary editor Fiza Jain In 2020, while the world is suffering from a pandemic
India and various pockets of the
world celebrated Janmashtami- a source of joy and positivity. Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth (Janma) of Lord Krishna on the eighth (Ashtami) day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August- September). The number eight has greater significance in the life of Lord Krishna as he is the eighth child of his mother, Devaki, and eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The occasion is celebrated with grandeur in Mathura and Vrindavan (Brindaban), where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and early youth. A day before Janmashtami, devotees stay vigil and fast until midnight. Then the image of Lord Krishna is bathed in water and milk, dressed in new clothes, and worshipped. Temples and household shrines are decorated with flowers and sweets are offered to the lord and then distributed as Prasada (the god’s leftovers, which carry his favour) to all the members of the household. The devotees of Lord Krishna commemorate the events of his birth, by preparing elaborate representations of Mathura (where he was born), the Yamuna River (over which he was transported to safety) and Gokul (ancient Vraja) and the scenes from his childhood. Pots filled with milk are hung from tall poles in the streets, and then human pyramids try to reach and break the pots—to imitate Krishna’s childhood play with the cowherd boys when they stole the curds hung out of reach by their mothers. The festival is also a time for group singing and dancing. Lord Krishna is God of compassion, tenderness, love, wisdom, intellect and is one of the most popular and widely revered Indian divinities. He loved animals, nature and music. His love was eternal for Radha i.e Radha Krishna. On this day, along with performing all the rituals, people should pledge to follow all teachings written in Bhagavad Gita and try to make this world a better place to live in. Bhagavad Gita is a holy scripture, narrating the incident where Lord Krishna unveiled the ultimate science of the universe and Self Realisation to Arjuna (one of the Pandavas who was the main character of Mahabharata). It is sacred knowledge which he gave to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, when he was reluctant to kill his own kin. During this incident, Arjuna attained Self Realisation.
10
[Bill william compton at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https:
[By AngMoKio - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://
[The childhood idol of lord Krishna also referred
//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16898747]
commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14642480]
to as Ladoo Gopal, courtesy of Vasundhara Chaudhary]
The Brightside
01-31 Aug 2020
TEN
teachings by Lord Krishna that will completely change your perspective
8
towards life, make you a more genuine human being and bring a brightness into the world
3
Change is the law of the world. In a
Fear not. What is not
moment you become
real, never was and
the owner of millions,
never will be. What is
in the other you
real, always is and
become penniless.
cannot be destroyed.
4 A man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he becomes.
6 For one who has
1
conquered his mind, a mind is best of
There are three gates
friends, but for one
to the self-
who has failed to do
destructive hell: Lust,
so, a mind is the
Anger, and Greed.
greatest enemy.
9 It is better to perform
7
one’s own duties imperfectly than to
Do everything you
master the duties of
have to do, but not
another.
with greed, not with
5 No one who does
2 Set your heart upon
good work will ever
ego, not with lust, not with envy but with love, compassion, humility, and devotion.
come to a bad end, either here or in the world to come.
your work but never
10
it’s the reward.
LETS MAKE A PLEDGE
Whatever happened
...to follow these teachings and to becoming a
will happen will also be
was good. What’s happening is going well. Whatever
better human and bringing out the bright side of
good. Do not worry
this world
about the future. Live in the present.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
11
World The Aftermath of the Beirut Blast by Mia Mcllwain editor Fiza Jain
On Tuesday, August 4th, 2020, an explosion went off in Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon. The explosion killed around two hundred people, injured thousands, and was heard and felt from miles away. In the wake of this tragedy, a light has been shined on malfeasance within Lebanon’s government. The
explosion
was
reportedly
caused
by
2,750
tons
of
ammonium
nitrate,
a
chemical
ingredient in some types of bombs. The ammonium nitrate was being held in Beirut’s largest port, after it was confiscated in 2013, because the shipping company the goods belonged to could not pay the fines to dock and do some repairs on its way to Mozambique. Due to the danger the chemical posed, the port’s director of customs made complaints to superiors, with government positions, that went unaddressed. The government came out and promised the people of Lebanon, that it would investigate and be transparent about the explosion, even though it seems it may have had a hand in causing it. The start of the investigation by the Lebanese government, caused an outbreak of infighting where the government played the blame game. The Judiciary was accused of not doing its job and finding a legal way to dispose of the ammonium nitrate, while the investigating group of politicians have been accused of being biased. These fights in the government, caused the people of Lebanon and countries around the world to call for an investigation done by a third party so that the results may not be influenced by corruption.
12
The Brightside
01-31 Aug 2020
The United States’s Federal Bureau of Investigations, more commonly known as the FBI, has answered
the
call.
The
FBI
is
promising
the
people
that
their
investigation
will
be
transparent, unlike the investigation led by the Lebanese government. This declaration of help and transparency did not sit well with politicians from Lebanon, who have tried to denounce outside aid. The ruling politicians have a long history of corruption and general malfeasance when it comes to doing their jobs, and a third party investigation could reveal all of their secrets. On Monday, August 10, Lebanon’s government stepped down because they could not handle the
aftermath
of
the
explosion.
The
announcement
made
by
Lebanon’s
Prime
Minister
Hassan Diab, of the resignation of leadership, sparked violent protests from the people. The residents of Lebanon took to the streets to voice their displeasure and anger with their government in October of 2019. Back then their country’s currency was losing value which caused the majority of the population to become poor, and power outages were a regular occurrence due to corruption. When the coronavirus hit, protests subsided for reasons of public safety, but now they are back in full force to demand change and reforms within their government. The explosion has harmed the people of Lebanon, and their government has not been the best at helping out. Thankfully, volunteers are filling the void left by the government which only allocated US$66 million for rebuilding efforts while the estimated damage is worth US$5 billion. Groups of people, NGOs, and the Lebanese Red Cross are offering food, collecting medical supplies, and helping people who lost everything from the explosion. If you want to help the people of Lebanon directly, you can donate to the Lebanese Red Cross, the Lebanese Food Bank, Impact Lebanon, Beit el Baraka, Amel Association and BETA.
[Kaplow, Larry, et al. “Beirut Explosion Looks Like An Accident - And A Sign Of The Country's Collapse.” NPR, NPR, 7 Aug. 2020, www.npr.org/2020/08/07/899776352/beirutsexplosion-looks-like-an-accident-and-a-sign-of-the-country-s-collapse.] [Beirut,
Associated
Press
in.
“Beirut
Explosion:
FBI
to
Take
Part
in
Lebanon
Investigation.”
The
Guardian,
Guardian
News
and
Media,
15
Aug.
2020,
www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/15/beirut-explosion-fbi-lebanon-investigation-us.] [Qiblawi, Tamara, et al. “Lebanon's Government Steps down in Wake of Beirut Blast.” CNN, Cable News Network, 11 Aug. 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/08/10/middleeast/lebanongovernment-future-intl/index.html.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
13
TOP READS OF THE MONTH
LOCAL PLACE QUESTION STICKER HERE
READ FULL STORY ON INSTAGRAM @THEBRIGHTSIDEMZ
14
The Brightside
1.
TEXAS ISAIAH BECOMES FIRST TRANS PHOTOGRAPHER IN BRITISH VOGUE HISTORY
2.
UK GOVERNMENT DISMISSES OFQUAL ALGORITHM WHEN GIVING A-LEVEL AND GCSE STUDENTS GRADESÂ
3.
CITY OF OXFORD PROMISES SHELTER FOR ROUGH SLEEPERS EVEN AFTER LOCKDOWN LIFTS
01-31 Aug 2020
Thank You NHS by Georgina Griffiths editor Hannah Brooks-Hughes
In last month’s issue (July 2020) we praised the concept of the NHS and the services which they provide, however this month we’ll be focusing on a more personal level. And how better than to start with my own personal experience. As a generally clumsy and danger prone person, I have had the pleasure of visiting A&E for a variety of ailments as well as general GP appointments. The most recent visit being in December; my visit to A&E was smooth and I was waiting for a fraction of the time I had been expecting to have to. It may have been due to the fact I was a 16 year old, alone in the adult department (don’t worry my parents were aware) and they took pity on me, but even that speaks for itself. However, the era of COVID-19 has added pressure to the NHS. This pressure was met with humility and grace of staff, with even those who were enjoying their retirement returning to help with the effort. In lockdown my household has had 5 ambulance visits, only one of which leading
to
hospitalisation,
grandmother.
Each
time
all
the
of
which
ambulance
for
my
came,
elderly
the
staff
members on call gave efficient advice and clearly had my grandmother’s best interests at heart. She was only sent to hospital, a truly dangerous place in this climate, when she truly needed to be there and the kindness of the NHS does not stop there. While she was in hospital we were able to video call the ward and talk to the nurses and doctors,
as well as see my
grandmother. Conversation was not as easy as she is very deaf but I can imagine that those who are not hard of hearing would not have this issue. The respect I have for anyone who works for the NHS, whether it’s as an ambulance paramedic or a cleaner who ensures that hospitals are safe, is immense. However, I cannot only talk about my own experience, after reaching out to our followers we have seen that the NHS has benefitted them in a number of ways. Outside of lockdown there are the free vaccines for those who are eligible which saves the public huge amounts of money, allowing immunity to be available to all ends of the British public. Hopefully the highly
anticipated
COVID-19
vaccine
will
be
supported
through this service. There was a range of responses for more recent experiences during lockdown, from a GP appointment through zoom to response to a broken arm in the Accident and Emergency unit. Many also praised the prenatal and antenatal departments in the NHS for the staff’s caring nature. Everyone who gave responses made it clear that they are truly grateful and astounded by the efficiency of this service. To anyone who works for the NHS, no matter what the job title, thank
you,
and
I
hope
this
important
aspect
of
Britain
continues to be a blessing.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
15
Local UK Exam Results Take a U-Turn by Anastasia Toha editor Hannah Brooks-Hughes On Monday the 17th at 16:00 it was announced that England and Wales will follow the path of Scotland and Northern Ireland to use teacher-predicted grades for A-level and GCSE students
rather
than
the
controversial
Ofqual-algorithm
generated
grades.
Students,
parents and teachers nation-wide rejoiced with the news, and here’s why. Firstly, let’s start with what was wrong with the algorithm. For the majority of cases, Ofqual took information for each school and each subject in that school from their past performance and then worked out a quota of grades; from A* to U (unclassified). Then, they adjusted it up or down if the 2020 cohort seemed better than previous years based on their GCSE results. Here's a hypothetical example of how it would play out: Say school 'x' has a quota of three A*'s, seven A's, ten B's, eight D's, two E's, and one U. This means that the student ranked at the top for this subject at this school will get an A* and the ranked at the bottom would get a U. However, this means that the teacher-predicted grades for school 'x' would have had no effect whatsoever! Thus being entirely based on the quota of grades given to school 'x' by Ofqual's algorithm and the rankings that the teachers had given. And here are the three main issues with Ofqual's process:
Teacher predictions were completely ignored
The algorithm bypassed small schools and classes
As
Generally
speaking,
schools had to rank students,
explained
previously,
schools
much
and
state
Ofqual
would
give
are
schools.
private
smaller
However,
were
you
that even if you were ranked
there were less than five students
wouldn’t
slightly
doing
obtain
lower in
your
there
was
top
grades
Ofqual's
than
a
low
another
a
particular
brilliant
never had a student like
didn't work for scenarios where
This
a
algorithm
thought
means
student
subject
in
a
before, be
the
top
to
grades
if
particular school. This means that
because
'quota'
of
these students (mainly at private
would not allow any top
on
schools)
grades to be given for
based
were
given
teacher-
predicted grades, which Ofqual
that
would
knew to be optimistic. This is why
this process was grossly
get a U and the ones slightly
statistics show very small private
unfair for some of the
above
B,
schools doing superbly with this
best
even if they were essentially
year of A-level results. This also
performing
academically
means
across the country.
There
was
ranking
pupils
would
no
get
the
a
same.
escaping
system.
This
the
means
that
‘unpopular’
students A-level
taking subjects
would have their grades inflated
that grades were imposed on
slightly.
the schools rather than taking
increases
This
account of what the teachers
German, for classical Greek, for
thought and then moderating
music. Therefore, it is extremely
the student’s grade.
unfair to students who've taken
in
is
clear the
from
marks
big for
‘popular’ subjects, like maths, the sciences, English or history.
The Brightside
school.
algorithm
the
that
then
the
you
able
school,
algorithm,
lowest-ranked
16
you
student in a school that
on
ranking.
their
If
Ofqual
students their grades based this
that
than
Anomalies were not accounted for in the system
pupils
Meaning
in
poorschools
01-31 Aug 2020
This clearly shows why thousands of students protested and some even sued the government for the unfair algorithm which was used to give out A-level grades. Luckily, the government announced that it would scrap the system, and instead give students teacher predicted grades, even if it meant scores would be slightly higher. This means that students with shockingly low grades will be given the grades they deserve and go on to study the subjects they set out to do. Furthermore, students who are happy with Ofqual-given grades will be able to keep their scores. In addition, politicians have called for flexibility for universities in admitting students to courses, saying they expect them to honour all offers made and met. However, a good handful of students will have to delay going to university as their places might have been filled up for their preferred course, but many can at least breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have a future.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
17
Local The Future of Poetry GCSE by Dina Liabeuf editor Hannah Brooks-Hughes
Due to the pandemic poetry has become one of the GCSE subjects that will be optional to take. This was imposed due to the government being concerned that schools would not have enough time to teach their students all of the content (due to the disruption caused by lockdown
and
the
coronavirus)
which
would
consequently
be
putting
them
at
a
disadvantage. However certain head teachers believe that it amounted to "tinkering at the edges" amid "widespread ongoing disruption". Ofqual is still pondering over whether it would be wise to delay 2021 exams in order to allow teachers to have more time to prepare students. 2020’s exams were cancelled and exam boards instead issued results based on students’ predicted grades given by their teachers (after much chaos revolving around the faulty algorithm it had originally decided to use in order to objectively calculate students’ grades). Approximately
138,000
students
in
Scotland
are
the
first
in
the
UK
to
receive
grades
calculated in this way, for their Nationals, Highers and Advanced Higher courses. Having initially proposed that there would be no changes to the English literature exam in 2021, Ofqual stated that it had decided to offer students a choice of subjects after schools exhibited "significant concern" about their ability to cover and revise all of the subject areas that form the outline of exam questions. Almost half of people who responded to a consultation defied propositions to leave the exam unchanged, stating it was hard for students "to get to grips with complex literary texts remotely".
18
The Brightside
01-31 Aug 2020
The government has agreed students will be allowed a choice of topics on which they will be assessed, so teachers can concentrate on fewer literary texts. It will be compulsory for all students to write about a Shakespeare play, nonetheless they can choose two out of the three remaining content areas: poetry, the 19th Century novel and post-1914 British fiction and drama. Ofqual confirmed that an akin choice of topics will be available in GCSE history and ancient history to give schools more choice and time over the content they teach. The exam regulator had also mulled over the possible decision to delay the start of the GCSE exam season to 7 June instead of mid-May, but said it is still considering the best approach. Exam season usually finishes a few weeks before the end of the school term, so there remains time for a few alterations at that time of the academic year. Nevertheless Ofqual stated that while there certainly was some support for doing this to provide an additional couple of weeks of teaching and revision time, there was perturbation about the effect it would have on the marking process. At the moment, GCSE results day in England happens in the latter half of August each year, including this year where results were released on the 20th of August despite the disruption of the cancellation of exams because of the coronavirus. If results day was to be pushed back, it would risk crossing over into the start of the new academic year when many of those GCSE students would be planning to start A-levels/IB or vocational qualifications - but may need to know their results so they would be able to decide on the best path for them.
[“Coronavirus: GCSE Students Allowed to Drop Poetry in 2021 Exams.� BBC News, 4 Aug. 2020, www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-53645824. Accessed 23 Aug. 2020.]
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19
TOP READS OF THE MONTH
BUSINESS PLACE QUESTION STICKER HERE
READ FULL STORY ON INSTAGRAM @THEBRIGHTSIDEMZ
1.
LEGO TOY COMPANY LAUNCHES BRAILLE BRICKS FOR CHILDREN WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
2.
AMERICAN GIRL SCOUTS WELCOME THEIR FIRST BLACK CEO
3.
20
The Brightside
GATES FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH SERUM INSTITUTE OF INDIA, TO PROVIDE $3 COVID-19 VACCINES TO LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES
01-31 Aug 2020
EasyJet Increases Flights Due to Increase in Demand by UK Holidaymakers by Dina Liabeuf editor Elina Mohan With the pandemic still present across the globe it was highly anticipated that all of our summer plans would be cut short, but our expectations weren’t completely accurate... An unexpected rise in demands for flights by holidaymakers has caused EasyJet to crank up the number of flights it is offering over the holidays, despite the continuing precariousness of the coronavirus. The company has extended its flight schedule to 40% of normal capacity between
the
months
of
July
and
September
rather
than
the
30%
that
was
formerly
contemplated. The budget airline reported that it has seen especially high demand from UK travellers for destinations such as Greece, Turkey and Croatia. Due to this unexpected positive change, EasyJet’s shares (which had lost over 60% of their value since the start of 2020 due to the pandemic) have vaulted 8%. Although the UK government’s decision to eliminate Spain from its quarantine exemption list due to an increase in COVID-19 cases has led to a slight decrease in new bookings being made for the destination, the majority of customers who had originally made reservations and plans have stuck with them, according to Johan Lundgren (EasyJet’s CEO). In the two weeks from the middle of June, when EasyJet started flying again, the planes transported 117,000 passengers in the 132,000 seats they had available and carried over two million in total in July. As part of its expansion plan, the low-cost carrier operates around 1,000 flights a day this month. Lundgren believes that “returning to the skies again allows [the airline] to do what [it does] best and [takes its] customers on much-needed holidays,” The
chief
of
the
company
is
also
“really
encouraged
that
[he
has]
seen
higher
than
expected levels of demand with a load factor of 84% in July with destinations like Faro and Nice remaining popular with customers.” EasyJet’s “bookings for the remainder of the summer are performing better than expected and as a result, [the airline has] decided to expand [their] schedule over the fourth quarter to fly circa 40% of capacity.” "This increased flying will allow [EasyJet] to connect even more customers to family or friends and to take the breaks they have worked hard for." Lundgren
also
mentioned
that
the
airline
had
prompted
the
government
to
relook
at
quarantine-exempt travel corridors on "a regional basis". The CEO said: "You see parts of Spain - the Balearics and the Canary Islands - who have significantly lower rates of infections than other parts of Spain and also in the UK."
[Sky. “EasyJet Increases Flights as Summer Demand Takes-off despite COVID-19 Uncertainty.” Sky News, Sky, 4 Aug. 2020, news.sky.com/story/easyjet-increases-flights-as-summerdemand-takes-off-despite-covid-19-uncertainty-12042258.] [“EasyJet Increases Flights to Cope with Holidaymaker Demand.” BBC News, BBC, 4 Aug. 2020, www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53648077.] [-, Portugal Resident, et al. “EasyJet Expands Summer Schedule Thanks to Popular Destinations like Faro.” Portugal Resident, 6 Aug. 2020, www.portugalresident.com/easyjet-expandssummer-schedule-thanks-to-popular-destinations-like-faro/.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
21
Business American Stock Market Shoots Up The
S&P
500
(American
stock
index)
closed at an all-time high on Friday 21st of
August
due
to
soaring
prices
of
technology stocks (as a result of strong revenues possibly linked to the pandemic and the ongoing lockdown in the US) and a
couple
positive
economy
which
reports
favorise
on
the
bank
U.S.
revenues,
for example. The
benchmark
0.3
%,
index/S&P
despite
the
500
weakening
rose
by
of
the
majority of stocks. It followed up on losses across
Europe
after
more
discouraging
reports there indicated a slowdown in its economies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (the 30 most
important
American
stocks
e.g.
Apple, Coca-Cola etc) shot up by 0.7%, and
the
Nasdaq
composite
(technology
stocks alone) increased by 0.4%. The
stock
market
beat
its
precedent
closing high, which was set on Tuesday after the index eliminated the last of its historic
losses
from
the
pandemic.
The
S&P 500 rose 0.7% for the week. It was the seventh gain for the index in the last eight weeks. Despite these brighter times investors are still
waiting
fronts,
for
which
confirmation
could
cause
on
the
several
next
big
move of the stock market to go either up or down. The American economy has shown certain symptoms
of
decline
recently,
with
Friday’s reports from Europe acting as the latest
reminder
that
coronavirus
cases
growth.
U.S.
A
the
may report
increase
stunt from
in
economic Thursday
demonstrates that the number of workers applying for unemployment benefits has risen in the past week.
22
The Brightside
by Dina Liabeuf editor Elina Mohan
01-31 Aug 2020
However there are various signs of hope. A separate report from IHS Markit on Friday stated that data suggests production rates from the U.S. private sector are at an 18-month high. For example sales of previously occupied homes were higher in the month of July than economists expected. Those reports helped the U.S. stock market recover from declines earlier in the morning. “The housing market is strong,” stated Quincy Krosby (chief market strategist at Prudential Financial) "This week has been about housing. Each one of these reports has been strong.” The stocks of homebuilders escalated following the data, including a 3.2% rise for D.R. Horton. However, it was really thanks to additional gains for tech stocks that the S&P 500 did so successfully recently. On Wall Street most stocks plummeted (due to the pandemic), and the smaller companies in the Russell 2000 small-cap index (2000 smallest stocks) lost 0.8%. In the S&P 500 index of big companies, 56% of its stocks were lower, including the deterioration of energy producers and financial stock. Thankfully a 1.2% rise for technology stocks in the stock market helped compensate for these losses. Technology has remained remarkably irrepressible throughout the entire pandemic and has continuously churned out massive profits as work-from-home and other tech trends have accelerated. Apple, which this week became the first U.S. company to have a market value of more than $2 trillion, rose by 5.2%. Big technology stocks, which usually have robust balance
sheets
and
deliver
strong
growth,
will
probably
continue
to
be
attractive
to
investors as long as there are questions about economic growth, said Krosby. “One of the most important factors in this market and for the broadening of the market in order
to
include
those
names
that
have
not
participated
is:
You
want
to
see
the
unemployment landscape heal, and you want to see those initial unemployment claims come down,” said the chief market strategist. "That’s a major focus for analysts because we’re a consumer-led economy. People need jobs in order to consume.” Deere
(an
American
manufacturing
company)
was
another
substantial
winner
after
it
reported profit that was double what Wall Street expected. Its shares rose 4.4%.
[Associated
Press.
“S&P
500
Ticks
Higher
to
Record,
Powered
Again
by
Tech
Stocks.”
US
News
&
World
Report,
U.S.
News
&
World
Report,
2020,
www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2020-08-21/asian-shares-track-wall-street-gains-amid-vaccine-hopes. Accessed 23 Aug. 2020.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
23
Business
Lost Stock: A Fashion Retailer with a Difference by Alice Manning As the COVID-19 pandemic began, and countries around the
world
headed
into
lockdown,
many
major
fashion
brands cancelled stock orders from factories due to fears that they wouldn’t be able to sell the stock. As many of the orders had already been processed by the factories, this led to a surplus of over $2 billion worth of cancelled stock – with little to no financial compensation from the fashion
brands.
As
a
result,
the
garment
workers
producing the clothes were put under severe economic strain and financial hardship. This
is
where
Lost
Stock
came
in.
The
business
buys
cancelled orders from the factories and sells these on to consumers in several western nations, including the UK and US, offering orders with a minimum of three items at half the original RRP. On their website is the claim that each box assists one worker and their family for a week; 37%
of
the
proceeds
from
each
sale
goes
directly
to
SAJIDA Foundation, an NGO working to promote better health and living conditions in Bangladesh. Whilst the percentage may not seem great, the costs of running
the
initiative
are
clearly
high
–
and,
the
NGO
receives the highest percentage when compared to Lost Stock’s
running
donated
costs.
contributes
Importantly,
towards
the
wage
money
that
supplements,
is
the
distribution of essential supplies such as food and hygiene packs,
and
other
social
initiatives
run
by
SAJIDA
Foundation. For greater transparency, their website also has a blog, explaining in more detail how and who the purchases
benefit,
products.
24
The Brightside
and
offering
updates
on
their
01-31 Aug 2020
In order to appeal to customers, Lost Stock capitalises on the “random” nature of the orders; as they receive so much stock from factories, it is not possible for them to display images of every item online. Thus, ordering a Lost Stock box is a sartorial gamble – but also a chance to mix up your style and try something new, and at 50% of the price normally seen in the shops. When placing an order, the customer has options to choose from men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. The store then gives options for age – do you want to dress more, or less like the age you are? Colour and pattern schemes are customisable, with options for dark, neutral, bright, patterned and plain; or, for the more adventurous customer, there is the option “Surprise me!”. Lost Stock offers a tailored experience that
encourages
the
customer
to
be
more
liberal
with
their attitudes to fashion, both in what they wear, and how they source it. Furthermore, Lost Stock caters to the growing scene of “Insta-shopping” through their prominent online presence on the platform. The company uses Instagram to promote their clothes by retweeting customers wearing the items, including specific looks customers have curated with the clothing.
They
have
#MyLostStockLook,
with
created
their
own
over
posts
using
100
hashtag, this,
and
more everyday as orders continue to be delivered. This offers what
prospective their
order
customers
the
customers could
the
look
chance
to
chance
like,
whilst
show
off
to
“preview”
giving
their
existing
style
in
a
supportive community. Inevitably,
there
experience.
are
The
some
small
negatives
team
at
to
the
Lost
Lost
Stock
Stock
and
the
customisation option mean that orders take a lengthy 6-8 weeks to arrive, with no estimated day of delivery until close to the time. The “lucky dip” element to the boxes could
be
a
problem
for
the
company,
with
some
customers inevitably disliking what they receive. However, Lost
Stock
understands
experience
for
some
that
this
will
customers.
be
Their
part
team
of
the
actively
encourages resolving such issues sustainably by upcycling or swapping unwanted items. Despite that fact that its raison d’etre sprung from the negative
economic
initiatives
such
more
as
organic
encouraging initiative
consequences
Lost
Stock
perspective sustainable
incidentally
of
promote
on
fashion.
swapping
brings
the
the a
of
customer
pandemic,
healthier As
and
well
clothes, out
of
as the
their
comfort zone by including items of clothing they would never normally buy. The perception that clothes “suit” any particular body size – often perpetuated by the modelling major fashion brands use in their marketing – is damaging, but
begins
to
unravel
when
we
encourage
customers
themselves to model the clothes. Initiatives like Lost Stock not only help those most in need with immediate relief, but could make sustainable fashion more mainstream, and should be encouraged. Follow them on Instagram at @loststock_ and buy a Lost Stock box today! [“Lost Stock.” Instagram.Com, 2018, www.instagram.com/loststock_/?hl=en. Accessed 25 Aug. 2020]. [“Lost Stock.” Lost Stock, 23 July 2020, loststock.com/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2020.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
25
TOP READS OF THE MONTH
SCIENCE AND MEDICINE PLACE QUESTION STICKER HERE
READ FULL STORY ON INSTAGRAM @THEBRIGHTSIDEMZ
1.
2.
3.
26
The Brightside
ST. JUDES SCIENTISTS ADVANCES WITH FINDING A CURE FOR ALZHEIMER'S
WORLD’S LARGEST NUCLEAR FUSION PROJECT EMBARKS ON ITS 5-YEAR ASSEMBLY PHASE IN FRANCE-A BIG STEP FOR A CARBON-FREE SOCIETY
A JAPANESE ROBOTICS COMPANY CREATED A FACE MASK THAT TRANSLATES INTO 8 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
01-31 Aug 2020
COVID-19 UPDATES OVER 16 MILLION RECOVERED HOW CLOSE ARE WE TO A VACCINE?
139 PRE-CLINICAL VACCINES Vaccines not in human
25
trials and given to animals to see if it triggers an immune response.
PHASE 1 VACCINES The vaccine is given to a small group of people to determine whether it is safe and to learn more about the immune response it provokes.
15
PHASE 2
VACCINES The vaccine is given to
7
hundreds of people so scientists can learn more about its safety and correct dosage.
PHASE 3 VACCINES The vaccine is given to thousands of people to confirm its safety – including rare side effects – and effectiveness. These trials involve a control group which is given a placebo.
0 APPROVED VACCINES The vaccine is approved for general use.
*last updated 30 Aug 2020 18.44 BST
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
27
Science & Medicine
On a Mission to Save a Hospital by Katie Richards, Anastasia Toha editor Elina Mohan Katie Richards is a 16-year-old pupil at the Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC). With the help of a few friends, she aims to bring back the former glory to this Zambian Hospital.
About the Ronald Ross Hospital: The
Ronald
Mufulira,
Hospital
located
Zambia, services
Ross
in
Central in
Obstetrics
the
(RRH)
&
a
Copperbelt
Africa.
Internal
Why the Ronald Ross Hospital: is
The
Medicine,
hospital
in
Richards decided to aid this hospital
province
of
in particular because she has a close
offers
connection to the establishment: “I
Surgery,
have a personal link to the hospital,
Pediatrics-
as my grandfather worked there as a
hospital General
Gynaecology
and
covered in inpatients and outpatients areas.
Specialist in Anaesthesia in the early 1970’s.”
Furthermore,
the
COVID-19
pandemic has further highlighted the urgency
at
which
the
RRH
needs
help. “Back then when he worked there it was a fully functioning hospital, but as
you
can
dramatically deplorable medical
faces
several
challenges
infrastructure
with
daily,
worn-out
including
equipment
old and
inadequate funding. Additionally, there are chronic staff shortages, and the intensive care unit has unfortunately conditions was
built
mining
been
and in
closed
lack
1954
company.
of
and
due
to
unsatisfactory
life-saving initially
However,
equipment.
run
the
by
a
It
private
Government
of
Zambia took over the running of the hospital in 2000, and it will assist the hospital over the next two years in improving the infrastructure, targeting the worst areas first, but funding is limited.
The
following
images
come
from
mobile
phone
footage, which is why the quality is unfortunately not
perfect.
provided
it,
Lordsway a
network
Ministries of
has
churches
kindly
based
Zambia, who have recently visited the hospital.
28
The Brightside
in
has
the
conditions
staff
continues.
From the images below, it is clear that the hospital
see...it over and
changed
years
with
for
both
patients,”
she
01-31 Aug 2020
Why is money limited? For many reasons
Since building a hospital back up requires a
but
lot
Zambia’s
current
president
has
a
of
time
and
money,
Richards
on
raising
money
aimed
concentrate
the country’s slowing economy, hit by a
emergency equipment. Starting with trying to
slump in copper prices, which is having a
raise as much as they could for a transport
massive impact on Zambia, since copper
incubator and an ultrasound scanner. One of
is its primary export.
the
leading
departments,
for
to
tough challenge of trying to turn around
crucial
Obstetrics
&
Gynaecology,
heavily
Seeing as there is much to be done to
ultrasonography
as
improve the current situation at the RRH,
diagnosis
Richards and her family have adopted the
who are not. However, lately, they have met a
Maternity
lot of challenges in that their sole scanner has
Ward
to
help
raise
funds
to
both
frequent
in
depends
a
means
the
of
pregnant,
breakdowns.
on making
and
those
strengthen the ward and help save the
had
lives of mothers and their babies.
have no functioning ultrasound scanners. To
Currently,
they
try and access the service, they have to take Like many wards at the RRH, the maternity
the patients (pregnant or not–pregnant) into
ward is lacking in crucial equipment such
town
as incubators, cardiac monitors, an ECG
investigation
machine
machines,
inconvenience to the mothers, it is also a risky
which, unfortunately, costs thousands of
move, as some patients can change condition
pounds. Other essential equipment is also
while
needed
such
functional
stands,
thermometers,
and
monitors,
phototherapy
as
cribs,
sterilising
drums,
blood
delivery
drip
or
on
another
hospital
done.
the
way.
Apart
They,
ultrasound
to
get
from
therefore,
machine
the
being
so
an
need
that
a
they
pressure
can run a standard service. The need for a
forceps,
transport incubator is as evident as ever. The
beds,
suction machines, wall heaters, and so the
new
list goes on!
carried by hand by the midwives from theatre to
Without
these
essential
items,
both
the
mother and the new-born are at high-risk
Caesarian
the
ward,
babies and
are
this
currently
exposes
being
them
to
hypothermia and accidents that can happen anytime.
for having fatal diseases and infections. For
the
mother,
haemorrhage,
malaria,
this
includes
infection,
HIV.
In
The typical cost of a transport incubator is about
£50,000, and an ultrasound scanner is £45,000. Therefore, thousands of
addition, many babies have a low chance
around
of
pounds need to be raised to try and help give
survival
due
to
frequent,
premature
births. Better medication and equipment
these
would help save so many lives each year.
Assistance
A
equipment will go a long way in improving
few
years
ago,
the
preventable
mortality for the year was 730 children: 83
babies
the
best
with
chance
these
two
of
survival.
pieces
of
Obstetrics & Gynaecology services.
died in the neonatal unit due to asphyxia from lack of resuscitation while 420 died
Recently,
due to dehydration, directly linked to lack
Richards, hand made and sent over 400 face-
of
masks
parenteral
therapy
and
malnutrition,
to
a
group
Mufulira
of to
CLC aid
in
girls, the
led
by
improved
another 127 died due to malaria and other
safety of the staff and the children in light of
causes.
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hence
it
has
become
Richards’
aim to raise as much money as possible to help the mothers and babies at the RRH
Together we can all make a difference and
to
help save lives, playing a significant role in
try
and
significantly
shocking statistics.
reduce
these
not only one life but hundreds of lives over generations to come.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
29
Science & Medicine
Staying Healthy During a Pandemic by Juliane Emanuelle editor Elina Mohan Clogged Limited
in
our
own
resources
in
homes? a
short
period? Bored and congested from
the
things
used
to
doing?
exhilarating
we
are
Experiencing pain
unspeakable much
that
and
thoughts?
Too
worrying
overthinking?
Well,
and here
are
just some of the emotions that we felt every day in the crisis that
we
are
currently
staying
in. Coronavirus is a no joke and a
very
serious
matter
that
everyone should be aware of especially
to
survive
and
sustain good health.Times may be tough and a real struggle but as I always say “there will always be a rainbow after the heavy rain�, there is a brighter side to the dimmer portion of our
lives.
health
enduring lives
Maintaining
is
a
huge
the
and
it
depths may
proper part of
in our
become
a
wide skirmish right now due to the plague outbreak that our world
is
battling
with.
Insufficient parks, gyms, health care and
centres, other
closed
fitness
leisure
due
to
the
studios,
areas
are
pandemic
but there are still some ways to stay fit and healthy during the COVID-19
outbreak
are some of them:
30
The Brightside
and
here
01-31 Aug 2020
Firstly, we must not forget to have a balanced diet and eat healthy food thrice a day, drink plenty of water; specifically, 8
glasses
a
day,
also
have
enough
rest
and
exercise
regularly. Doing this will help us reduce our stress and it will also develop our body and its posture. Of course, exercise can prevent ourselves from gaining weight and it can also lower
the
cancer,
risk
of
developing
depression,
health
heart-related
conditions
diseases,
and
such
as
stroke.
It
could also strengthen our bones and muscles, improve our sleeping routine and mental health, and most especially it can
brighten
your
day
and
help
you
lookout
for
a
new
encouraging perspective in life.Â
Doing aerobic activities with light and upbeat music is one of the ways to stay fit in the pandemic. Also, finding
workout
videos
online
and
taking
virtual
classes can be a great help too, especially if you have kids on your own that they could also join in on the fun. Doing home chores are also part of exercising since
every
move
you
make
burns
calories
in
your
body. Engaging in yoga and meditation is a must too since it will also make you feel refreshed and feel tranquil
despite
all
the
circumstances
happening.
Walking, jogging, showering yourself in the sun for a couple
of
minutes,
practising
martial
arts,
and
dancing are also a part of working out that can make you stay fit and healthy.
There are so many ways to improve ourselves regardless of the worsening scenarios that our life has to see. There would always be a ray of light even in the darkest shadows of our lives. Let us always find ways for ourselves to become a better version of ourselves and let us all share these healthily and cosiest methods to everyone. Let us all shine and bloom our growing flowers and produce a glistening garden in our own creative and special ways.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
31
Science & Medicine
Spravato-a Breakthrough Antidepressant by Antonina Fastova editor Alice Manning
Janssen’s Spravato new antidepressant has
effective at relieving symptoms than the
recently been approved by the American
placebo.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to go
Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scale,
into distribution across hospitals worldwide
those
for
Depressive
average of 3.5 points-relapsing only 27%
treatment-resistant
Disorder
(MDD).
Major
There
is
On
on
the
Montgomery–Åsberg
Spravato
improved
by
an
considerable
of the time, compared to almost double
excitement regarding the new nose spray;
that percentage for those on the placebo
it uses a new mechanism, something that
trial. The year-long study showed these
hasn’t been achieved in over thirty years.
benefits
were
maintained
in
the
long
term. The active chemical in the Schedule III drug is
sketamine
hydrochloride-
an
s-
Although this is great news for 1.45 million
enantiomer of ketamine- which works by
adults
acting
30%
on
N-methyl-D-aspartate
glutamate
receptors,
transmission
signals
(NMDA)
coordinating
that
regulate
mood.
there
in
of
England whom
are
struggling
are
with
MDD-
treatment-resistant-
hesitations
from
the
National
Institute for Health and Care Excellence
The dosages- which must be decided by a
(NICE).
healthcare professional- usually begin with
dissociation, nausea, and sedation have
1-2 sprays twice a week, but can quickly
been welcomed by patients desperate for
increase on a case by case basis. If MDD
relief
symptoms
improve,
decreased
again.
the
dosages
However,
due
Whilst
of
can
be
concerns
to
its
side
MDD,
have
surfaced.
effects
administered
in
provider’s
the
presence
of
a
healthcare
effects
their
addictive qualities, it must be administered professional.
side
mean
clinical
the
under
supervision.
and
The
drug a This
like
cost
potential
has
to
be
healthcare provides
a
challenge in introducing the drug into the NHS
The drug was reviewed by and discussed
as
delivery
and
structure
services
have to be changed.
by the FDA, leading to a ‘fast track’ and ‘breakthrough therapy’ approval. This came
Therefore, there are differing opinions on
after controlled clinical trials which showed
the efficacy of this drug, however, as for
it to be more
all medicine, only time will tell.
[Office of the Commissioner. “FDA Approves New Nasal Spray Medication for Treatment-Resistant Depression; Available Only at a Certified Doctor’s Office or Clinic.” U.S. Food and Drug
Administration,
2020,
www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-nasal-spray-medication-treatment-resistant-depression-available-only-certified.
Accessed 22 Aug. 2020.] [Smith, Anna. “Spravato Rejected by NICE.” PharmaTimes, 28 Jan. 2020, www.pharmatimes.com/news/spravato_rejected_by_nice_1323580, 1323580. Accessed 22 Aug. 2020.] [Dagmara CZARSKA-THORLEY. “Spravato - European Medicines Agency.” European Medicines Agency, 16 Oct. 2019, www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/spravato. Accessed 22 Aug. 2020.] [“SPRAVATO - Overview.” Janssen CarePath, 29 Jan. 2019, www.janssencarepath.com/hcp/spravato. Accessed 22 Aug. 2020.]
32
The Brightside
01-31 Aug 2020
NANOBRICK-a Solution for Lithium Batteries? by Antonina Fastova editor Alice Manning
A research team at the Washington University in St Louis has recently created structural bricks which double as batteries. This was done by filling porous red bricks with plastic nanofibres, and was demonstrated and tested by reacting chemical vapours with red iron oxides, thus forming plastic nanofibres. Known as supercapacitors, they are able to store electricity as static charge with the use of a special particularly conductive called Pedot which turns blue on reaction. At the moment, NANOBRICK stores enough energy to power small lights, however, it is possible to increase energy density and therefore energy capacity tenfold by adding metal oxides. This would make them a cheaper and more effective alternative to lithium ion batteries.
Their
double
use
makes
them
an
efficient
investment,
especially
for
circumstances such as the storing of energy from residential solar panels. Heat loss has made storing energy within the fabric of buildings inhibiting of for the development of similar projects from surfacing in the past, but this plastics model addresses this issue. Although the charge is too small to shock, an insulating layer would provide extra safety. This method was proven through experimentation and even showed that insulated bricks are able to work under water. This change is welcomed by climate activists as batteries in landfill
undergo
photochemical
reactions
which
cause
increases
in
greenhouse
gas
emissions. Directly contributing to global warming. NANOBRICK would avoid this issue due to the variance in compounds that make up each ‘battery’, making it a much more sustainable alternative to our lithium batteries.
[https://www.explainthatstuff.com/chris-woodford.html.
“How
Do
Supercapacitors
Work?”
Explain
That
Stuff,
25
Oct.
2009,
www.explainthatstuff.com/how-supercapacitors-
work.html. Accessed 22 Aug. 2020.] [Carrington,
Damian.
“Powerhouses:
Nanotechnology
Turns
Bricks
into
Batteries.”
The
Guardian,
The
Guardian,
11
Aug.
2020,
www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/11/powerhouses-nanotechnology-turns-bricks-into-supercapacitor-batteries? utm_term=b8a1a9312d0d43445ee7e6efe9a52ff7&utm_campaign=GreenLight&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=greenlight_email. Accessed 22 Aug. 2020.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
33
TOP READS OF THE MONTH
ENVIRONMENT PLACE QUESTION STICKER HERE
READ FULL STORY ON INSTAGRAM @THEBRIGHTSIDEMZ
34
The Brightside
1.
BELUGA WHALES TRANSPORTED FROM CAPTIVITY IN CHINA TO NEW OCEAN REFUGE IN ICELAND
2.
COLOMBIA BANS COSMETIC ANIMAL TESTING
3.
AUSTRALIAN BREWERIES TURNT UNSOLD BEER INTO RENEWABLE ENERGY
4.
BABY TURTLES RELEASED OFF THE COAST OF BALI
01-31 Aug 2020
AlCoco: A Sanitiser Made from Coconut by April Evangelista editor Sumedha Mohanty While most of the countries in the world are busy developing COVID-19 vaccines and medicines, in Southeast Asia specifically in the Philippines, the Philippine Craft Distillers of the CALABARZON region in the country released a hand sanitiser that’s purely made from coconut nectar last July 15, 2020. This development gives the general public the information that the coconut tree is also a source of ethyl alcohol for sanitisers replacing the chemically formulated ethyl alcohol. AlCoco
was
recently
approved
by
the
Food
and
Drug
Administration of the Philippines in June 2020 but has been in research in the Philippines since January 2020. It is a 70% ethyl alcohol solution from distilled coconut nectar, which are sourced from the local farms in Southern Luzon. AlCoco has been tested by an international testing laboratory, Intertek Testing Services Philippines, Inc., to have a 99.9% germ kill rate making the product promising. Ethyl alcohol, also called ethanol, is known for its disinfectant qualities. It’s not that toxic to the environment but with a large amount of ethanol in the water, air, and land, it causes a lot of damage
towards
the
planet.
In
the
United
States,
ethanol
is
commonly from corn and is a major clean-burning source of fuels to buyers around the world. Despite its positive outcome and feedback
in
the
biofuel
and
trading
industry,
corn
ethanol
received backlash from some of its critics. According to a journal published by Earth Track, ethanol production in the United States consumed more than a quarter of the whole number of crops produced and is enough to feed 330 million people for a year based on the Earth Policy Institute. One more point to consider is that all ethanol is alcohol but not all alcohol is ethanol which means
that
people
could
be
buying
disinfectants
and
hand
sanitisers during the COVID-19 crisis and were not ethyl alcohol, and are potentially more harmful to the environment than the ethanol was. The production and procurement of sanitisers, alcohol, soaps, and other disinfectants are essential in the current situation of the world. Fighting COVID-19 through medicines and development of vaccines, wearing masks and other personal protective equipment, and having personal hygiene are now vital but also tremendously affecting the environment negatively. And with the development of AlCoco, a bio-ethyl alcohol, it not only helps the people and businesses to produce sanitisers but also helps in reducing chemicals and toxic materials from being submerged in the planet’s water bodies. Through the breakthrough and introduction of AlCoco to the market, other countries can now procure disinfectants from a different bio-source, and it can also help in reducing ethanol made from corn in the United States.
[Balibay,
Aurora
Quadra.
“Philippines
develops
coconut
nectar
into
disinfectant
alcohol
sanitizer
gel”.
Good
New
Pilipinas.
15
July
2020.
https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/philippines-develops-coconut-nectar-into-disinfectant-alcohol-sanitizer-gel/] [C. Ford Runge. “Biofuel Backlash: Subsidies for corn ethanol are hurting people and the planet”. Earth Track. May 2010. https://www.earthtrack.net/document/biofuel-backlashsubsidies-corn-ethanol-are-hurting-%C2%ADpeople-and-planet N/A.
“ETHANOL
PRODUCTION
AND
EXPORTS”.
U.S.
Grains
Council.
https://grains.org/buying-selling/ethanol-
2/ethanol/#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20ethanol,liters)%20of%20ethanol%20per%20year.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
35
Environment The Positive Impacts of COVID-19 on the Environment: Are They Here to Stay? by Katie Wheatley editor Sumedha Mohanty
Although the coronavirus pandemic has had unthinkable impacts on health, wellbeing and the economy, it has had positive impacts on the environment. Despite the worrying effects of global warming becoming more prominent in the world, the environment has benefitted from the chaos of 2020. As we know, across the globe, lockdowns have been put in place and we’ve all been limited to the places we can go and the things we can do. Without opportunities to visit areas within our own country, let alone in other countries, there have been improvements in air quality, the cleanliness of beaches and environmental noise.
Surprisingly, climate experts have predicted that the level of greenhouse gases may drop to the lowest
we’ve
seen
since
before
the
second
world war. The improvements in air quality have come as a result of airlines having to halt their journeys, drivers using their vehicles infrequently and fewer people using public transport.
For
those
don’t
work
who in
or
live near factories, power plants and industrial facilities, it
probably
isn’t
common knowledge that they’d halted their production. This was great news for the environment as the levels of Nitrogen Dioxide have
reduced
pumped
into
since
the
air
then. by
Nitrogen
vehicles,
Dioxide
especially
is
cars
also and
aircraft - their emissions amount to 83% of the total emissions created by transport.
36
The Brightside
01-31 Aug 2020
The
World
Health
Organisation
revealed
that
91%
of
the
world
population live in places where poor air quality is above what it should be. This is why it’s no surprise that air pollution contributes to almost 8% of deaths in the world, especially in countries in Africa, Asia and part of Europe. The improvement in air quality should be music to our ears, but is this sustainable or is it a matter of time before we’re breathing in overly toxic fumes once again?
You’d like to think that travel emissions will remain
low
for
a
while
longer
whilst
people are focusing on their priorities. The health and wellbeing of family members, friends and the community should come before
jetting
away
holiday.
Known
ideal
people
if
as
on
a
a
flight
restrict
last-minute diet,
the
it’d
be
number
of
flights they go on over the coming months. Instead of being upset about the missed opportunities
during
lockdown,
people
should admire the positive impact this has had on the environment. Lockdown has given individuals a chance to reflect on their choices and learn about new
things,
leading
many
to
invest
themselves in being more sustainable due to its positive impacts on the environment. Even
if
people
negative habits
aren’t
impacts
are
conscious
that
having
on
their the
of
the
travelling
environment,
they’re unlikely to be able to pursue these plans
at
the
moment
due
to
financial
struggles. After it was announced that the UK
is
officially
in
recession
for
the
first
time in 11 years, people are unlikely to have the money to go on holiday.
Unfortunately, litter dropping is still as rife as ever. While the beaches were empty, members of the public conducted cleanups. Since lockdown restrictions were eased, it was hoped that
people
would
admire
and
respect
the
newfound
cleanliness
of
the
beaches.
The
heatwaves throughout August have brought people from far and wide to visit the beaches, as for some, this’ll be the only glimmer of summer they’ll see this year. Will they respect the beaches or will we see litter scattered across these beautiful spaces again? It’s only a matter of time before we find out. [Chan, Szu Ping. “UK Officially in Recession for First Time in 11 Years.” BBC News, BBC, 12 Aug. 2020, www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53748278.] [Henriques, Martha. “Will Covid-19 Have a Lasting Impact on the Environment?” BBC Future, BBC, 27 Mar. 2020, www.bbc.com/future/article/20200326-covid-19-the-impact-ofcoronavirus-on-the-environment.] [Masson-Delmotte, V, et al. “Global Warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report on the Impacts of Global Warming of 1.5°C above Pre-Industrial Levels and Related Global Greenhouse Gas Emission Pathways, in the Context of Strengthening the Global Response to the Threat of Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and Efforts to Eradicate Poverty.” IPCC, IPCC, 2018, www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/sites/2/2019/06/SR15_Full_Report_High_Res.pdf.] [Sims, R, et al. “Transport.” Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2014, pp. 599–650, www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/ipcc_wg3_ar5_chapter8.pdf.] [World Health Organization. “Air Pollution.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1.] [Zambrano-Monserrate,
Manuel
A.,
et
al.
“Indirect
Effects
of
COVID-19
on
the
Environment.”
Science
of
The
Total
Environment,
vol.
728,
1
Aug.
2020,
doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138813.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
37
TOP READS OF THE MONTH
ENTS AND ARTS PLACE QUESTION STICKER HERE
READ FULL STORY ON INSTAGRAM @THEBRIGHTSIDEMZ
1.
TAYLOR SWIFT DONATES £23,000 TO A TEENAGER'S GOFUNDME SO SHE COULD ATTEND UNIVERSITY
2.
NIA DACOST BECOMES FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO DIRECT A MARVEL MOVIE
3.
38
The Brightside
NUMEROUS CELEBRITIES ARE USING THE HASHTAG #ZIMBABWELIVESMATTER TO FIGHT THE ONGOING HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES THERE
MELIA A AIKENHEAD
What are you most hopeful for in 1) your life 2) the world?
Thank you to all who participated in our logo competition! The new logo has a refreshing,
1)
young and modern twist to the previous sun-
2) I think the biggest thing that I hope for is for more
winner of the logo competition to see what brought
joy
to
their
life
and
what
In my life, I’m hoping to live a fulfilling life with lots
of happiness and joy around me.
logo. We decided to have a chat with the
people to understand problems since that’s the first
inspired
main hurdle of tackling them and finding solutions,
them as they were designing the logo.
and after that would be more people to take action in whatever they feel passionate about.
How did you first hear about The Bright Side? I saw their account on Instagram and heard about
What gives you the most joy? Simply doing something I love, for example, sport, art,
it from my friend.
drama and especially being with friends.
What do you like about it?
Does art make you happy?
I like the whole positive purpose of it and they
Yes, most definitely since it makes me feel calmer
manage to find such amazing news which I would
and
not know about otherwise.
people and places through art.
Is there anything about the magazine which you hope to see develop/change in the future?
Who/what inspired you as you were designing the logo?
I
like
the
way
it
is
currently
formatted
on
I
When
love
I
being
designed
able
the
to
express
logo
I
was
the
feelings
inspired
by
of
the
Instagram but maybe in the near future at school,
simplicity of a spiral which I put in the middle of the
there Could be a printed out copy with say a
sun, as it focuses on the heart of the sun, and then I
month’s worth of positive news for people to read.
wanted to stick with the yellow as this is a key theme
Is there a particular positive news story, from The Bright Side or elsewhere, that particularly sparked your joy or optimism? I
particularly
liked
poaching
in
lockdown
and
South that
the
two
Africa a
about had
group
of
how
rhino
halved
over
mothers
in
for The Brightside.
How was your lockdown experience? For me, it was quite good given that I was able to go outside
a
lot
like
I
normally
would
in
the
holidays
since I live in the countryside and my school provided some
work
to
do,
however,
since
we
didn’t
have
Zimbabwe teamed up to help wildlife, as these
exams at the end of the school term, I was pretty
are topics which are especially close to me.
restless and bored of online school thus finding it quite hard to concentrate.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
39
Ents and Arts Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a Blessing During Lockdown On 20th March 2020, the highly anticipated New
“Animal
Horizons”
Crossing:
was
released.
After the previous instalments of the
game
in
late
2012,
“New
Leaf” for the 3DS and 2017 for the
celebrated
mobile
Camp”,
game
many
of
the
long term players needed their thirst to be quenched through a new
game.
And,
it
could
not
have come at a better time. The release time
occurred
as
many
the
same
countries
at
were
going into lockdown. In fact, the release
was
began
on
household. 2020,
As
day
contributing million
of
to
August
been
the
I
my
the
Nintendo the
6th
have
sales
that
in
of
there
million
since
the
lockdown
22
game,
total
61.44
Switch
sales
console’s
release
in
2017 and the sheer lack of their availability. For comparison the highest game
selling
Call
“Black
Ops”
is
released
in
2010;
it
of
Duty
and has
was
30.99
million unit sales.
In the latest “Animal Crossing” game you begin with an almost empty island with three tanukis and
two
other
“villagers”.
The
main leader Tom Nook, a larger tanuki
(a
guides
you
days
racoon
on
island
on
but
your
your
new
and
are as
few
paradise
new
mechanics introduced,
cuter),
first
game gradually
well
as
new
residents of your island. There is the
lovable
owl
Blathers
who
runs the museum, as well as the Able
Sisters,
a
family
of
hedgehogs who run the taylor’s on the island. Timmy and Tommy the twin tanukis run the island shop,
amongst
NPCs
on
aim
is
to
the
a
few
island.
gain
a
of
The
high
the main
enough
status so that the famous K.K. Slider, a pop star in this world, wants to come to your island to give a concert. However, you do not that
need
to
aspect
even of
the
bother game.
with The
ability to do whatever you like is the strength in this game.
40
The Brightside
01-31 Aug 2020
by Georgina Griffiths editor Hannah Brooks-Hughes But what makes this game so amazing? I will be honest in that I am slightly biased as I have played it everyday since the release, but to a certain extent, that is the beauty of it. The routine which you develop in game mirrors that of real life just without the pressure from those around you. It has provided the structure to the day which many have missed through lockdowns across the globe. The fact that I have managed to remain interested and focused on a game for five months on a game, without breaks, is astounding and really is a sign of the workmanship of the game. Whether it is collecting the many bugs and fish which are available in game or building up your island and breeding flowers to gain the coveted five star status. On a similar level, the game is not only satisfying in the ability to gain collectables but it is
visually
pleasing.
The
graphics
have
evolved
since
the
first
game
and
I’m
not
complaining. The sunsets are beautiful to watch, the trees blow in the wind and the array of colourful flowers which can be bred are only a snapshot of the beauty which is this game, even given the cartoon-like art style. One factor of the game we cannot overlook is the positive effect on mental health that the franchise has had. The companionship of the villagers has countered the loneliness which
many
have
experienced
as
a
part
of
depression
and
other
mental
health
conditions. These villagers are willing to chat whenever and do not have the same degree of pressure which you may experience from a conversation with a person. For example, in my “New Horizons” save my self proclaimed “best friend” is Flurry, a white hamster who has an interest in nature, and as they are a Normal type villager they are never short of a kind word (they are also very cute but I’m not sure if I can count that as a reason). The serene soundtrack by Kazumi Totoka is also known to help those with anxiety wind down after a rough day, the sound of the sea when on a beach and the pitter
patter
on
a
rainy
day
both
contributing
to
the
effect.
The
game
has
also
historically helped cancer patients have a form of escape from their treatments and allowed
those
who
live
far
away
from
their
friends
to
connect
through
the
online
features. Overall, there is not much to dislike about this game or the franchise it is born of. It has countered the view that video games cause violence and has provided a safe space for all. With every game it gets better and better, from the graphics to the ability to actually make your player look like yourself following the introduction of darker skin tones and more racially diverse hair. The Animal Crossing franchise has done nothing but improve which is shown by its rise in popularity over the 19 years which the franchise has existed for.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
41
‘How To Build A Girl’: a Lesson in Identity and Our Malleable Selves by Immy Higgins editor Hannah Brooks-Hughes
01-31 Aug 2020
As a self-conscious 14-year old I read
As well as delving into ideas of identity,
Caitlin Moran’s fictionalised account of her
and particularly female identity, the film
teenage
life
as
in
also explores wider themes of class and
out-loud,
consumerism. While you are moved to both
something I rarely experience when reading
chuckle and cry throughout, you are also
a book. The film adaptation directed by
urged to consider just why Johanna is so
Wolverhampton
Coky
a
music
and
Giedroyc,
journalist
laughed
available
determined
to
find
a
on Amazon prime, had the
writing job, to earn money.
same
One
effect
on
me,
now
aged 21. Although elements of the
of
the
painful
book’s
Johanna
shockingly
finally
poisonous
in the film, Moran’s ability
snobbery
to
reminds
address
taboo
post-natal
and
female
head-on
topics
depression
well
the
but
that are often shied away
background.
from,
reviewers,
screenplay
Magazine,
common
the
of
crippling
nerves,
the
of
as
The
have
fanciful
film,
her social Some
a charming insight into the
power
of
such
Leoni Horton
of
of
and
adaptation also maintains
the
is
because
because
economic
humans;
that
her age and her hormones,
as
experiences
viewer
just
displaying on screen topics Moran’s
of
selfishness,
adolescence
hard not
shines
As
realises
world and
Johanna’s
masturbation still
through.
most when
that she has fallen into a
saucy scenes are sanitised
like
film’s
scenes,
critiqued
parts
including
Film
of
the
Johanna’s
habit
of
loneliness of being bullied,
the
photographs
conversing
with
the testable but
posters of famous people
and
on her bedroom wall. But I unbreakable
strength
of
sibling
relationships. friendless
change, sass
with
and
bumpy
book-lover a
loveable
kookiness,
journey
yearning
as
combination
bringing
she
for
sets
of
to
life
her
out
to
find
success as a rock reviewer. As captured by Mark Kermode in his review of the film for The
Guardian,
empowering dreams,
it
tale
even
nightmares.’
these
elements
of
fantasia
are
charming, and appropriate in a film that is
Beanie Felstein plays Johanna Morrigan, a
disagree;
is
when
When
a
‘cautionary
about
following they
Johanna
turn
falls
into
yet your into the
trap of over-arrogance and blind naivety, becoming as she herself states ‘evil’, the
driven by the power of adolescent creativity and imagination. It also fits the arch of the film,
its
message
adventures reality
–
and
and
that
life
is
elation,
but
also
growing
up
we
full
of
gritty
experience
both. Following on from Booksmart, a comingof-age film based on the friendship of two teenage girls that Beanie also stars in, How To
Build
A
Girl
empowering leads,
continues
growth
centred
in
on
to
plots
foster
with
feminine
the
female
experience
independent from men. Films like Jane Eyre and Emma certainly have female leads, but
film reaches the crux of its message; as
their destiny remains marriage. Johanna has
humans, and as teenagers, we can build,
a
break down, and re-build different selves.
ambition is career-focused.
This is all part of what, I think, is the film’s most
engaging
aspect:
its
realistic
depiction of adolescence. From the heartwrenching intensity of a teenage crush, to the cringe-worthy humiliation of wayward sanitary experiences
products, of
being
the a
relatable
teenager
are
spotlighted. The educational frustration of Johanna, asked to condense her reams of English homework into a rigid number of words, highlights the creative energy that
crush,
but
not
a
boyfriend,
and
her
Coming out in a flourishing feminist age, How
To
Build
entertaining
A
Girl
adaptation
is
a
of
Moran’s
timely
and book.
The serious messages embedded in the film are
passed
frequently
on
to
the
comedic
viewer
lens,
through
making
it
a
the
perfect film for a night-in when you can’t quite Locker
bring or
yourself
127
Hours,
to but
watch still
The
want
Hurt
to
be
impressed, and inspired. Every Friday I read Caitlin Moran’s ‘Celebrity Watch’ section in Times 2 and chuckle my head off. The next
many find restricted by the strictures of a
time I watch this great screen adaptation I
formal education.
know I’ll laugh-out-loud too.
[Kermode, Mark, The Guardian Online. 26.07.20. https://www.theguardian.com/film/ 2020/jul/26/how-to-build-a-girl-review-beanie-feldstein-caitlin-moran] [Horton, Leoni, The Film Magazine. 11.08.20. https://www.thefilmagazine.com/how-tobuild-a-girl-review-caitlinmoran-movie/]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
43
Ents and Arts “This is a book about a radical idea”: Rutger Bergman’s lifeaffirming philosophy in ‘Human kind: A Hopeful History’ by Immy Higgins editor Hannah Brooks-Hughes
Lord of the Flies is a staple of secondary school English Literature education. I remember feeling simultaneously fascinated and horrified by the savagery of the boys, discussing in class the themes of ‘human nature’ and ‘friendship.’ I later watched my three younger brothers pick
up
our
family
copy
of
the
book,
now
battered
and
worn,
absorbing the narrative of the novel which instils in us as readers the notion that humans are innately selfish, civilised only by the constructs of law and order that modern society provides. Rutger Bergman’s new book Human Kind: A Hopeful History decisively overturns this concept. What proof is there that as humans we will immediately bloodshed
turn
when
against times
each
of
other
desperation
and
resort
arise?
In
to
fact,
killing as
and
Bergman
highlights, very little. In the second chapter of the book he fluently and persuasively challenges the ‘Lord of the Flies’ theory that has become so embedded in our society. Based on evidence he found in a
headline
from
a
tiny
local
Australian
newspaper,
Bergman
formulates a clear argument with clear evidence; when left on a deserted island for over a year, humans unite and use their initiative and skills to ensure the groups collective survival. I
first
heard
of
Bergman
when
listening
to
Pandora
Sykes’s
new
podcast series ‘Doing It Right’ in which she interviews each week an expert in their field, asking them about their life, their work, and their feelings about modern life. Bergman appeared on episode 4 and as I embarked on my Monday morning walk, excited to distract myself from my everyday worries in the podcast’s conversation, I became immersed
in
Bergman’s
charmingly-accented
explanation
of
his
philosophy. His argument is both realistic and revolutionary, proposing that we should assume that people are good and that our ability to cooperate questions
is
stronger
flesh
out
than
our
Bergman’s
instinct
ideas
for
to the
compete. listener,
Pandora’s
turning
the
podcast into a comprehensive introduction to a new positive way of thinking. I certainly finished my walk with a bounce in my step that wasn’t there before.
44
The Brightside
01-31 Aug 2020
As a Dutch popular historian and author, Bergman has already published 5 books on history, philosophy,
and
economics,
one
of
which,
Utopia
for
Realists,
launched
his
innovative
philosophy into the public realm. Described in The Guardian as ‘an author bristling with hope,
optimism
and
answers’,
Bergman
has
been
pushing
for
progressive
thought
and
policies, including open borders and a universal basic income, for years. His disposition to challenge
was
unveiled
clearly
in
2019
when
he
bluntly
asked
his
hosts
at
the
World
Economic Forum in Davos why they do not pay more tax. His fluent bravery is inspiring.
Now half way through his book, I am increasingly convinced by Bergman’s idea. The most available counter-argument is that his argument is unrealistic. But the evolutionary theory, the real-life evidence, and the statistical examples in his book speak otherwise. Not only is his argument backed up with a wealth of clearly-explained evidence, but it is also a warm gust of optimism in a world that is often clouded by rainy cynicism. What harm is there in assigning yourself to a different belief system, to one that believes in the essential goodness of humans and not an essential evil? None. In fact, it can only better your life and I will continue to read Bergman’s thought and learn. The next time Lord of the Flies comes up in conversation, or if a friend or family members picks it up to read, I’ll be sure to challenge them with Bergman’s visionary philosophy.
[ProductiehuisEU. “Davos 2019: Historian Rutger Bregman Berates Billionaires at World Economic Forum over Tax Avoidance.” YouTube, 30 Jan. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch? v=r5LtFnmPruU. Accessed 24 Aug. 2020.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
45
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The Brightside
ERIK MOSES BECOMES FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT IN NASCAR HISTORY
MICHAEL JORDAN AND HIS BRAND DONATE $2.5 MILLION TO FIGHT BLACK-VOTER SUPRESSION IN LIGHT OF UPCOMING AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
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01-31 Aug 2020
Women in Sport by Kiki Elbaz editor Fiza Jain Not only are women more than fifty percent
Gilly
of
making
voiced her concerns about not being paid
throughout the world, but as a gender, they
as much as her male counterparts, which is
have
especially
the
demographic reached
in
decision
exponential
predominantly
troubling
captain,
during
a
has
global
sports. Joanna Coates, the chief executive
female athletes being underpaid compared
of UK Athletics, states that “women’s sports
to male players is that research suggests
is fantastic for business.” Top of the line
that women’s sports are actually a better
brands like Nike and Vitality have proven
investment commercially. For example, the
that having female players on the field has
most-watched
led to a higher incline in profits than when
summer of 2017, (with a riveting crowd of
they
86,000),
solely
women
in
strategies
have
multitude
of
Vitality
male
equation,
extended
athletic
to
attract
women its
and
for
the
during
woman’s
the
sporting
event. Ebony Rainford-Brent shared further
the
statistics regarding the Women’s T20 World
girls.
Cup
this
past
year
has
“1.1
billion
video
women’s sports after seeing how beneficial
why brands want to follow in the footsteps
this brand new audience is for commercial
of
business. Sport oriented organisations such
Women’s sports are a much larger audience
as Nike have opted and encouraged female
that opens new and profitable markets to
shoppers
that
sponsors. Sally Munday, the chief executive
woman.
of UK sports believes that “women’s sports
promoting
appeal
to
investment
was
game
views on the ICC digital channel.” This is
by
doubled
athletes.
marketing
cricket
in
would
has
targeting the
such
Ham
pandemic. The most surprising part about
were
activities
in
West
as
With
male
heights
Flaherty,
merchandise
the
modern
companies
encourages
loyal
is
occasion and give the support they’ve had
be
for decades in their athletic pursuits now to
adamant
that
motivating
Coates
women
to
sports fans and play sports is a grand and
women.
necessary demand
responsibility. for
equal
male
The
growth.”
Nike.
are
customers.
incredible
and
sports will in return give these companies frequent
for
Vitality
Brands that support female involvement in and
ripe
like
athletes
national
to
She
rise
health
to
crisis
also the
has
Therefore,
the
brought people together, while still being a
compensation
for
safe distance apart, and athletic men all
football players of all genders has become
around the world must use their privilege to
a forefront issue in the arena.
create a more level playing field.
[Https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/12048072/coates-why-womens-sport-is-good-for-business. ] [Sansom,
Dan.
“Coronavirus
Pandemic:
How
Is
Women's
Sport
Faring
and
What
Does
the
Future
Hold?”
Sky
Sports,
Sky
Sports,
www.skysports.com/more-
sports/news/28508/12048091/coronavirus-how-is-womens-sport-faring-and-what-does-future-hold.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
47
The Brightside ISSUE 03 AUGUST 2020