The
Brightside ISSUE 04 SEPTEMBER 2020
The Brightside table of contents
03
Letter From the Editor 05
2 1 13
17
04 World
16 Local 22 Business
26
Science & Medicine
32 Environment
30
33
40 Ents & Arts
45 Sports
41
48
The Brightside @thebrightsidemz | Â support@thebrightsidemag.co.uk www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
SEPTEMBER 2020 EDITOR'S LETTER chool has finally started, which has brought stress and structure to void of chaos
S
that was lockdown. However, despite our entire team settling into a new school year, with more clubs and commitments, we still managed to pull through and create a wonderful September issue! So as a foreword, a massive thank you to my amazing team who manages to commit to The Brightside while still juggling a life outside of the magazine.
In this issue, we cover some very recent topics such as the death of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and reminisce on some very old events such as exploring the kind hearts of the citizens of Gander during the 9/11 attacks. This is just a brief snapshot of what we have in store for you. No matter what your interests are, I am sure there is an article in this issue which will hearten and inspire you.
Furthermore, we have some very exciting news! After publishing a few digital issues, our readers have expressed interest in a hard-copy magazine. Hard-copies have always been our ultimate goal, however, we were unsure when these would come out. But, that is all changing now. Currently, we are in the process to print our first hard-copy issue by the end of this year! This is all thanks to you, our readers, which span 6 continents (sadly we have not reached Antarctica yet), who continue to support and motivate us to publish our magazine. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of our readers so much for helping this dream become a reality.
Anastasia Toha, Editor in Chief
WWW.THEBRIGHTSIDEMAG.CO.UK support@thebrightsidemag.co.uk
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4
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1.
US PLANS TO WITHDRAW HALF THE TROOPS STATIONED IN IRAQ
2.
SUDAN AGREES TO SEPARATE CHURCH AND STATE AFTER DECADES OF RELIGIOUS RULE
3.
A CALIFORNIAN HIGHWAY IS NOW PAVED WITH PLASTIC
01-30 Sep 2020
Wildfire Prevention Through Controlled Burning by Mia McIlwain editor Fiza Jain
California, USA’s current wildfire season has set new records for the largest and most ruinous fires. This season has had about ninety-five wildfires ravage and destroy the west coast. The fires have caused people to have to evacuate from their homes, in order to stay safe, which has been hard due to the pandemic. Looking forward to future wildfire seasons, California has been trying out some unconventional methods to prevent fires. In
order
to
prevent
reintroduced
the
controlled
fires,
California
burning
to
the
and land.
several
of
its
Controlled
surrounding
burning
is
states
the
have
practice
of
intentionally lighting fires to burn away dead trees which prevents future fires. Burning trees is important because large amounts of trees growing unchecked in the west’s climate can be dangerous. The level of yearly precipitation has taken a dive in the west due to global warming, causing the numerous trees to be frail and feeble. These feeble trees make good fuel for wildfires. Controlled burning has been considered more now because the old way of clearing trees has not been as effective. Logging was considered the best way to clear trees for several years, but recently it has not been enough. With copious amounts of trees, there is not enough manpower to clear a fire preventing amount, which is why controlled fires are so important. Prescribed fire has the ability to clear the dead and dehydrated trees with an efficiency that really makes a difference. The method for prescribed fire was first used by the Native Americans, to maintain the land’s wellbeing. When the land was well, it provided more for the people who lived on it. However, when the European settlers started to move west to places like California, prescribed fire was outlawed. The 1850 Act for the Government and Protection of Indians, enacted by the settlers, made setting the fires illegal. This act was meant to control and steal land from the Native Americans, and also imposed segregationist rules that made slavery as punishment legal. The
racist
superiority
complexes
of
the
settlers
led
them
to
believe
that
the
Native
American’s controlled fires were wrong, because they viewed the Americans as uncivilized. This skewed viewpoint was the cause of the overgrowth of trees in California. The trees coupled
with
California’s
increasingly
dry
climate,
meant
more
fires.
In
1968
though,
California finally listened to the Native Americans and changed its stance on controlled burns after having devastating wildfire seasons. Since California flip flopped on its standing, it has been slowly incorporating fire into its toolkit
for
wildfire
prevention.
During
the
2020
wildfire
season,
California
has
been
performing less controlled burns in consideration of people with certain medical conditions who are already affected by the current fires. In future years though, the hope is that the use of prescribed fires can prevent more wildfires from starting.
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5
World Teachers go Above and Beyond by Anastasia Toha editor Alice Manning At the end of August, an image of a thin slice of pizza went around social media with the caption: “Teacher hypes up class party all year” “The Party:" The post sparked responses of nostalgic feelings
of
fondness
proceeded
to
and
users
with
other
comment
memories of childhood pizza parties such as a small, weak, plastic disposable cup with some squash or juice in it, sometimes accompanied by a sickly sweet cookie or cupcake.
The post was originally tweeted by @BuxtonSNZ.
However, as teenagers and young adults, we now realise these parties were so frugal because teachers likely had to pay out of pocket. @Twitter user Blachaz3 hypothesised that cash-strapped teachers probably had no budget for the parties and perhaps had to pay for it out of their own pockets.
However, this is not the first, nor the
last
above
time and
teachers beyond
students.
will
for
During
unprecedented
era
go
their the
of
COVID-
19, teachers are not only putting their own lives and their families’ lives
at
risk
in
order
for
us
to
continue with our education, but many
are
own
measures
implementing to
their
reassure
students that they have a less daunting learning environment.
6
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
For
example,
Florida
used
two
first
grade
their
own
funds
teachers to
in
purchase
supplies in order to turn school desks into mini jeeps
in
order
for
“
students
to
feel
comfortable while following health and safety guidelines.” primary
Across
school
the
pond
teacher
in
in
the
Northern
UK,
a
Ireland
turned her safety visor into a sparkly crown with glitter and coloured paper in order to make it appear less intimidating to younger pupils. It is clear that worldwide, teachers are doing
their
education
best
and
try
to
prioritise
to
relieve
the
students’ fear
of
COVID-19. I
am
sure
teachers
are
not
expecting
a
massive thank-you party or present for their efforts, but rather that students remember to be kind and patient with them. This is because during this unusual beginning to the school year,
teachers
learning
how
and
to
students
adapt
to
alike
sudden
will
be
protocol
changes and irksome safety measures. And I think
it
is
easy
for
us
as
busy
students
to
forget that teachers do an immense amount of training, planning, and thinking before the lesson. It’s easy to take it all for granted when you’re “just” the student. Therefore, I think it is important now, more than ever, for students worldwide
to
be
kind
and
be
patient
with
teachers.
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7
World How One Town Welcomed 6,700 Strangers Amid the Atrocious 9/11 Terror Attacks by Anastasia Toha editor Fiza Jain
The 11th of September 2020 marked the 19th anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks. We remember that thousands died, hundreds of thousands of families were impacted and so much more, however, what is not talked about enough are the individuals, group and communities who literally and metaphorically opened their doors to stranded strangers. One of these, being Gander, a small town with a massive heart. Gander is a small Canadian town on an island in the North Atlantic Ocean. On 9/11, 38 planes landed here, bringing in additional 6,700 people into the town (nearly doubling their population
overnight).
At
the
time,
Gander
International
Airport
was
the
closest
point
between Europe and the U.S. so it was the preferred emergency landing spot for medical and other emergencies. Thus, making it the ideal airport when US air space shut in response to the 9/11 attacks. During
those
devastating
days,
locals
bent
over
backwards
to
accommodate
their
unexpected guests. When passengers arrived, Gander’s citizens met them with homemade packed lunches. Even those with special dietary requirements were catered for – kosher food was sourced for an orthodox Jewish family, a group of Moldovan refugees, who didn’t speak English and were part of a religious sect were looked after by church members.The town converted its schools and large buildings into temporary shelters, and when that accommodation filled up, citizens took strangers to their homes. Medical personnel saw patients and filled prescriptions free of charge.
8
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
The
Ganderite’s
(people
who
live
in
Gander) kindness was also reciprocated once the disarray died down. For example, a scholarship fund for local highschoolers
was
also
set
up
by
passengers of the flights who stayed in Gander
aftermath of 9/11. In 2010, the
fund was accumulated to USD 1,000,000 and
was
sent
over
100
students
to
college. In 2016, to thank the town for its role in helping
thousands
of
transients
in
of
the
wake
temporary the
attacks,
New Yorkers gifted Gander with a piece of steel from the World Trade Centres's south
tower,
courtesy
of
the
Stephen
Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “The
people
and
of
Gander
performed
…
their
stepped
own
up
acts
of
courage and heroism on 9/11 and soon thereafter for the thousands of people who
descended
stranded
upon
with
no
them
or
advance
were notice
whatsoever,” said Catherine Christman, a spokesperson for the foundation. In addition, the story of Gander and its people also made its way to Broadway in early 2017 via the musical Come From Away.
In
June
Christopher
2017,
Ashley,
won
its a
director,
Tony
Award
for Best Direction of a Musical (and it was nominated for six more). What we consider the most simple thing in
life
is
to
help
people.
You’re
not
supposed to look at people’s colour, their religion,
their
sexual
orientation
—
you
look at them as people.”- Mayor Claude Elliott, the town’s leader for 21 years. The
actions
of
the
Ganderites
should
remind us all that we aren't as divided as we think, we have more in common than not, and despite being in the midst of something
as
disheartening
and
discouraging as a pandemic, there are still
many
good
kind-hearted
things
for
each
people
doing
other.
More
importantly, it's a reminder that it's not hard to lend a hand.
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9
World Remembering the Life and Achievements of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
by Anastasia Toha editor Fiza Jain During the small hours of the 18th September 2020, Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at the age of 87 due to metastatic pancreatic cancer. Ginsburg was not only the oldest justice but also a force for feminism and became a figurehead for liberals across the US. She will be remembered in the minds of many as a national treasure, but her lasting legacy in passing laws and legislation will be known to many in generations to come.
A short biography of Ginsburg: Ginsburg was born to a middle class, Jewish family in Brooklyn, NYC in 1933-the peak of the Great Depression. While she led a ‘stereotypical’ life at high-school, twirling batons and chanting on her high school cheerleading squad, the death of her mother days before Ginsburg finished high school changed her life forever. She made a vow to herself to live a life which her mother could not.
10
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
Ginsburg
proceeded
to
attend
Cornell
University with a scholarship where she met Martin "Marty". She said “Of all the boys I had dated, he (Marty) was the only one who really cared that I had a brain.” The couple married shortly after Ginsburg's graduation in 1954 and they had a daughter, Jane, the following year. In
1956,
she
accepted
to
became Harvard
one Law
of
nine
School,
women
out
of
a
class of about 500, where the dean famously asked that his female students tell him how they could justify taking the place of a man at his school.
After graduating from Harvard, she moved to Sweden to teach some of the first classes on women and the law. At the time, Sweden was a
trailblazer
for
feminism,
both
men
and
women had the same job opportunities. These ‘radical’
ideas
inspired
Ginsburg,
and
when
she returned to the U.S she was en route to fight for women’s rights and gender equality.
While
Ginsburg
became
an
or
icon
“R.B.G” in
pop
to
her
culture
fans, quite
recently, having songs, movies and even operas made dedicated to her life story, lots of her groundbreaking achievements occurred long before the digital age, and before she was even a justice. At the start of Ginsburg’s law career, she predominantly
fought
for
male
clients.
While critics may say that she was trying to ‘sweeten’ up the pale, male and stale jury, by bringing male cases that would ‘please’ the jury, this was not accurate. Rather, she took on a lot of male cases that
had
traditionally
female
claims
to
shake up the preconceived notions when it
came
to
gender
discrimination
and
inequality.
For example, in 1975, she took on the case Weinberger v. Wiesenfeld regarding the newly widowed Stephen Wiesenfeld. At the time, widowers were not entitled to Social Security survivors' benefits. She fought for him, stating that Section 402(g) of the Social Security Act discriminated
against
men
and
was
therefore
unconstitutional
because
gender-based
distinctions violated the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment. This gender-bias encouraged
the
idea
that
women
were
supposed
to
be
the
primary
caregiver
and
housekeeper, and men were supposed to be the breadwinner. This case brought to light gender discrimination across all walks of society, laying important groundwork for future cases and pushing the feminist movement forward. Moreover, in 1970, at Rutgers School of Law, Ginsburg and her colleague, Nadine H. Taub, published a journal of legal scholarship titled “Women’s Rights Law Reporter (WRLR)”. This
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11
World journal provides a forum for exploring law and public policy relating to women’s rights and gender. To quote the
official
legislative
site
of
the
WRLR:
developments,
“The
Reporter
significant
federal
examines and
state
court cases, judicial doctrines, litigation strategies, and the
lives
and
careers
of
prominent
women
jurists,
the
legal profession, and other areas of the law or public policy relating to women’s rights.” The journal is published quarterly. Shortly after co-founding the WRLR, she also co-founded the ACLU Women's Rights Project in 1972. The aim of this project continues to be removing the patriarchal barriers and allowing women to seek equal education and work opportunities. While this article could go on about the numerous things Ginsburg achieved while she was a lawyer, this feminist icon continued to help strive for feminism and tackle other social issues such as Queer rights and healthcare when she took on the role as Justice in 1993.
For example, the 1996 United States v. Virginia case was a
landmark
trial
whereby
the
Supreme
Court
of
the
United States struck down the long-standing male-only admission policy of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). She stated that since VMI failed to show "exceedingly persuasive policy,
it
justification" violated
the
for
its
sex-based
Fourteenth
admissions
Amendment's
Equal
Protection Clause. Later, she voted in favour of the Affordable Care Act of 2010, giving millions of Americans access to healthcare that they wouldn’t have had otherwise. In
2015,
Ginsburg
supported
another
landmark
case,
Obergefell v. Hodges, where the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed
to
same-sex
couples
by
both
the
Due
Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth
Amendment
Constitution.
She
voted
to that
the
United
same-sex
States
marriage
was
entirely constitutional and eviscerated any opponents. Her death at the age of 87 was a tragedy, but the more we learn about her achievements and the foundation she laid for future generations, the more her legacy will live on.
Thanks
to
her
work,
the
functional
difference
between men and women in society has been somewhat erased, but it is up to us, in this generation, to continue her fight for gender equality.
[The New York Times. “Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg | NYT News.” YouTube, 18 Sept. 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRlEFT-44Ik. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.] [Donvito, Tina. “15 Ways Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Has Made History.” Reader’s Digest, Reader's Digest, 18 Sept. 2020, www.rd.com/article/ruth-bader-ginsburg/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.] [“About Us.” Women’s Rights Law Reporter, Women's Rights Law Reporter, 3 June 2015, womensrightslawreporter.com/about-us/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.] [Wikipedia Contributors. “Weinberger v. Wiesenfeld.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Sept. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weinberger_v._Wiesenfeld. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.] [Wikipedia Contributors. “United States v. Virginia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Sept. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Virginia. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.]
12
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01-30 Sep 2020
What's the Mooncake Festival? by Anastasia Toha editor Fiza Jain “May we live long and share the beauty of the moon together, even if we are hundreds of miles apart.” This is a line from
⽔ 调苏歌 轼头 明⽉⼏时有 -
dynasty poet, Su Shi (
or The Mid-Autumn Festival Tune by the Song
). This line perfectly captures the spirit of unity during the
Mooncake Festival. Despite the Global Pandemic, where families, friends, and loved ones may be separated from each other. We are still connected. The Mooncake Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated by over
¼
of
the world’s population across the globe. It is arguably the second largest and second most important festival in Chinese culture (trailing behind Chinese New Year). Still, many of us outside of Asia do not know much about it. Heck, even as a half-Chinese myself, I only know very little about the origins, history, and meaning behind this celebration, other than the eating of mooncakes and other food. Here are some of the basic facts regarding the Mooncake Festival:
Alternate Names
Core values of the festival:
Moon Festival
Thanksgiving
Harvest Moon Festival Reunion Festival
Prayer
Lantern Festival Children’s Festival Autumn Eve
Unity
Moon-Viewing
When is it celebrated?
It
is
celebrated
on
the
15th day of the 8th Lunar month (therefore the date changes annually)
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13
World Origins: The Mooncake Festival has been celebrated for a very long time, thus there are several theories as to why the festival came to be. Many believe it has been celebrated since the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE). Ancient Chinese emperors worshipped the harvest moon in Autumn, as they believed that the practice would bring them a plentiful harvest the following year. The custom of offering sacrifices to the moon originated from worshipping the moon goddess, and it was recorded that kings offered sacrifices to the moon in fall during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1045 – 770 BC). However, the most widely accepted tale regarding the origins of the Mooncake Festival is the story of Chang E (even though the story itself is not unanimous between cultures and countries).
It is said that in ancient times, ten suns existed and the extreme heat made people’s lives very difficult. However, the mighty hero Hou Yi, shot down nine of the ten suns. Astounded woman
by
this
named
feat,
Chang
E
a
beautiful
decided
to
and
kind-hearted
marry
Hou
Yi
and
together they lived a happy life. One
day,
Heaven)
Hou
on
Yi
the
came
way
upon
to
Wangmu
meet
his
old
(the
Queen
friend.
of
Wangmu
presented an elixir to him which would cause the drinker to ascend immediately to heaven and become a god. Instead of drinking the potion himself, Hou Yi took it home and presented it to Chang E to keep. Unfortunately, the antagonist
of
the
story,
Peng
Meng,
who
wanted
to
be
immortal, saw Hou Yi give the potion to his wife. Later, while Hou Yi was out hunting, Peng Meng demanded that Chang E hand over the elixir. Knowing that she could not fend off Peng
Meng,
she
took
out
the
elixir
and
consumed
it
immediately. The moment she drank it, she flew out of the window and up into the sky. However, wanting to stay as close to her husband as possible, Chang E drew towards the Moon, the nearest place to earth in space. Upon realising what happened to his wife, Hou Yi was in such despair that he shouted Chang E’s name to the sky. He was amazed to see a figure which looked just like his wife appeared in the Moon. He took the food liked by Chang E to
an
altar
and
offered
it
as
a
sacrifice
for
her.
After
hearing that Chang E became a goddess, folk people also offered sacrifices to Chang E to pray for peace and good luck. Since then, the custom of sacrificing to the moon has been spread among folklore. There are other stories such as the rabbit in the moon story, Wu Gang Chops the Tree, Li Longji Roaming on the Moon Palace,
Diaochan
Worshiping
the
Moon
and
even
an
uprising in the Yuan dynasty which explains the tradition of eating mooncakes. However, despite all the confusion as to why the Mooncake Festival is celebrated, the tradition has nonetheless lasted to this day.
14
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
Modern Celebrations: Many countries, cultures and families have their tradition when it comes to celebrating the Mooncake Festival. However, there are some universal traditions that everyone shares when it comes to the Mooncake Festival. Food plays a core role in the Mooncake Festival. Not only does the mooncake and other foods such as Pumpkin and Watermelon symbolise completion and wholeness but the act of bringing together the whole family for a reunion meal unites the family.
Lanterns: Whether it be creating colourful lanterns or writing messages of good luck then sending them off into the sky, lanterns are a quintessential part of the Mooncake Festival and any Asian festival for that matter. While lanterns light up the streets and the skies like fairy lights on a Christmas tree, lanterns carry several symbolic meanings too. Firstly, they symbolise the unity and sense of family reunion. This is because a lantern is round and the Chinese word for ‘round’ has a similar pronunciation to the word ‘reunion’. However, like many things that have stood the test of time, the lantern itself has become a symbol of the festival-season thus losing some of its original meanings and gaining a new one. Mooncakes: Mooncakes
are
a
specialty
item
that
can
only
be
found
during the Mooncake Festival season. The traditional flavours are lotus seed paste, mixed nuts, red bean paste, saltedduck-egg-yolk, minced pork, green tea, various fruits, and yam. However, companies have adapted to modern tastes to make
flavours
such
as
chocolate,
coffee,
pistachio,
and
many more. These intricately designed desserts are normally cut into pieces that equal the number of family members and shared. Although some people enjoy mooncakes, it mirrors a Christmas pudding whereby you eat it out of tradition more than anything else. A Reunion Meal: Relatives who are dispersed across the world will make an effort to come back to their parent’s house to celebrate this festival with their entire family. This meal is sort of the Asian equivalent to the American tradition of Thanksgiving. We could go on about the variations between cultures and customs believe
when that
it
comes
these
are
to the
the two
Mooncake core
Festival,
traditions
but
that
I
any
household which celebrates the Mooncake Festival shares. Because at the end of the day, it all boils down to the three main values of the festival: unity, thanksgiving, and prayer. At a time of uncertainty and unease, it is heartening to know that
friends
and
family
will
be
together,
whether
it
be
physically or virtually. We must remember to be thankful for the small, daily wins and be hopeful for what’s to come.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
15
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16
The Brightside
1.
WAITROSE PERMANENTLY REMOVES PLASTIC WRAP AROUND BULK TIN ITEMS
2.
UK MCDONALDS WILL START TESTING REUSABLE CUPS FOR HOT BEVERAGES
3.
UK SCIENTISTS COLLABORATING WITH ARTISTS TO PROVIDE PPE TO SYRIAN REFUGEES
01-30 Sep 2020
‘Back to Hogwarts’ Day, National Poetry Day and the Future of Online Celebrations by Alice Manning Inevitably,
restrictions
Additionally, the benefits extend further
and lockdowns the world over have meant
than the economic. The ability to tune in
the curtailing of mass gatherings, resulting
to all manner of events from the comfort
in the advent of virtual as a prefix to our
of your home is a lifeline for those who
daily activities. This was no different for
are
fans
and
of
social
the
distancing
Harry
Potter
franchise,
for
not
mobile
those
whom September 1st is an important date.
sometimes,
In
convenient
normal
times,
particularly
keen
fans
it
pre-COVID
spot where Harry begins his first journey to
have
Hogwarts.
unable
This year, typical celebrations as described above
were
livestream
replaced
featuring
with
stars
a
of
able-bodied, full-time
simply
way
meant to
of
that
I
carry this
In
my
doing
And more
case,
the
would
have
the
summer
a
things
would
out
carers,
jobs.
creates
alternative.
would gather in Kings Cross Station at the
undertook
or
working
been
internship
and
stay
in
I
the
family home.
YouTube
the
movie
Evidently, much is yet unknown about to
franchise, with Potter aficionados around
what
the
and
permanently alter our social gatherings.
consequently refrain from visiting Platform
Will we simply return to the old methods?
9
As I see it, a nostalgic return to all of our
¾.
world
encouraged
to
tune
in
The team over at The Wizarding World
extent
were keen to create some humour from the
previous
situation,
understanding
describing
the
reliance
on
the
norms
pandemic
would for
reflect
what
a
we’ve
will
lack
of
learned
technology for the celebrations as “digital
about
wizardry”.
Defeating COVID-19 requires humans of all
humanity
beliefs
and
during
this
nationalities
pandemic. to
unite
in
scientific effort to find a vaccine. Jokes the
aside,
it
longevity
is
of
worthwhile online
considering
alternatives.
The
majority of people, when given a choice, prefer to attend physical events; they bring a whole host of benefits both mental and physical, with the benefits of face-to-face social interaction being undeniable.
Whilst
moving
socially
events
isolating,
when
blended
approach
person
activities
online
can
exercised
that it
includes can
be in
a in-
create
opportunities to widen participation and make all kinds of events more accessible. This kind of vision must be adopted if we are
However,
all
physical
events
necessarily
to
progress
beyond
our
pre-
pandemic ideals.
come with the caveat that one must be in the place they are held at. For some, this is
[Wizarding World. “Back to Hogwarts Global Celebration 2020 Hosted by the Harry
simply
v=4gr_lUXydH4. Accessed 27 Sept. 2020.]
not
possible.
For
instance,
it
has
Potter Fan Club – 1 September.” YouTube, 1 Sept. 2020, www.youtube.com/watch? [The Wizarding World Team. “Get Ready to Go Back to Hogwarts Digitally in 2020 |
been pointed out that moving academic
Wizarding World.” Wizardingworld.Com, Wizarding World Digital, 18 Aug. 2020,
conferences online saves the cost of travel,
Accessed 27 Sept. 2020]
meaning that those on tighter budgets are
Coronavirus
able to attend.
society/. Accessed 27 Sept. 2020.]
www.wizardingworld.com/news/go-back-to-hogwarts-digitally-in-2020. [http://artscicstra.wordpress.com. “All Conferences Should Be Virtual in a PostWorld.”
Massive
Science,
29
Apr.
2020,
massivesci.com/articles/coronavirus-covid19-conferences-american-physical-
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
17
Local The BBC Announces its First Same-Sex Partnership for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Their “queerness” is often used as humor and is central to the judging dynamic,
by Georgina Griffiths editor Hannah Brooks-Hughes
Tonioli
the
over-the-top
Italian
who
overly gesticulates would be considered “flamboyant” a word commonly used to label
gay
men
and
Horwood,
who
started his career in performance as a On
the
2
September
2020
the
BBC
Drag
Queen,
villain of the Hays Code era just without
OBE,
The
who
ex-boxer is
an
Come
the pressure to hide his identity. Even
Nicola
Adams
the coveted ‘Glitterball trophy’ is a disco
bisexual,
ball and disco has a queer history to it
open
when they asked her to be on the show to be placed in a same-sex partnership. Adams has two gold medals from the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games and has been the owner of many historical firsts such as the first openly LGBTQ+ boxer to win an Olympic gold; she was the first major
female
to
tournament
win and
a
medal
was
the
woman boxer to represent England. The
show,
colloquially
known as ‘Strictly’, first aired in 2004 and has become many
a
in
staple
their
for
‘British
identity’. The show also relies on a mixture of LGBTQ+
culture,
more
the
historical
ballroom
dancing
scene and Latin South American
culture.
The
judging panel currently consists of two openly queer
men,
Bruno
Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood, Horwood
and has
even
appeared on the show in full drag.
coded’
‘Strictly
approached the producers of the show
English
‘Queer
the
popular
Dancing’.
the
into
their first same-sex partnership on the show
of
plays
historical
dancing
idea
almost
announced that they are going to have
in
a
first
which is generally overlooked. The show has been taking steps forward in
more
recent
years
toward
representation.
In
group
featured
dance
the
2019 a
LGBTQ+ series
coupling(after there had been backlash when the BBC had denied Dr Ranj Singh his request to be in a same-sex pairing) and judge Craig doing a performance in drag. Similarly, in the same year there was a dance which openly
celebrated
LGBTQ+ culture and featured staples of queer
culture.
However,
as
someone who grew up
watching
the
show this has been a
more
recent
development, growing
up
while
watching
the
show
did not lead to me being
enlightened
about
queer
identities, rather the opposite, early
days
show
it
a
in
the
of
the
maintained very
heteronormative
18
The Brightside
a
same-sex
01-30 Sep 2020
attitude towards both dance partnerships and in
general.
more
The
than
queer
judges
judges
who’s
were
nothing
queerness
was
brushed aside, never to be truly addressed or portrayed at all. In my opinion they became a stereotype which helped to sell the show as dance was viewed as a very ‘gay’ activity for men in the past. The forced heteronormativity mixed with the homophobia surrounding the idea
that
dance
is
an
activity
exclusively
available to gay men was very confusing to my
developing
heterosexual
mind.
The
representation
relationships
was
far
of
more
rigorous to the point of almost erasure of any other orientations.
It
is
integral
for
queer
youth
to
see
representation in the media but the BBC has been
censoring
this
since
its
founding.
The
impartial nature of the BBC has allowed it to justify given
the the
repression increase
of
in
queer
stories
representation
even
in
the
media which the BBC has been broadcasting. From the queer-baiting in Steven Moffat and Mark Gatis’ series ‘Sherlock’ to the huge amount of bisexual erasure(and most other identities) as most of the queer characters identify as gay or lesbian or are only seen to be in relationships with those of the same sex. In the same way the lack of non-binary identities in media is becoming more and more of an issue. For the British public to become more accepting of queer identities they need to be exposed to them, no matter how big the backlash.
Although this is a small step in
terms
of
representation overdue
it
LGBTQ+ and
long
a
step
is
nonetheless.
A
new
generation of children are going to grow up with more exposure to nonheteronormative relationships and thus a new generation
of
people
with
most-likely
more
tolerant attitudes to society. Each small step for representation leads to a giant leap for mankind. Good luck to Nicola Adams in this year’s season of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
[“Strictly Come Dancing: Ex-Boxer Nicola Adams to Have Same-Sex Dance Partner.” BBC News, 2 Sept. 2020, www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53989693. Accessed 11 Sept. 2020.] [Wikipedia Contributors. “Strictly Come Dancing.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Sept. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strictly_Come_Dancing#Judging_panel. Accessed 11 Sept. 2020.] [Wikipedia Contributors. “Nicola Adams.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Sept. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicola_Adams. Accessed 11 Sept. 2020.] [Block,
India.
“Strictly
Trades
in
Queer
Culture
–
so
Why
Hasn’t
It
Had
a
Same-Sex
Couple
until
Now?”
The
Guardian,
The
Guardian,
5
Sept.
2020,
www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/05/strictly-queer-culture-same-sex-couple-nicola-adams. Accessed 11 Sept. 2020.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
19
Local "Second Hand September" and Sustainable Fashion by Alice Manning
This
month,
the
attention
of
the
fashion
world moved to ‘Second Hand September’. A
UK
initiative
to
encourage
more
sustainable clothes shopping, Second Hand September
was
begun
in
2019
by
the
charity Oxfam. Just as other campaigns to effect positive change have centred around changing habits for a month – Movember, Veganuary and Sober October being a few examples – followers of the cause commit to
buying
clothes
second-hand
for
the
duration of September.
This year, Oxfam elected actress and writer Michaela Coel to lend her image to Second Hand September as their ambassador. She modelled donated items that were then put on sale in a special outlet to raise money for
the
charity.
Undoubtedly,
the
endorsement of popular public figures such as
Coel
increases
movement,
the
visibility
highlighting
momentum
the
surrounding
of
such
a
building fashion
sustainability.
The pandemic offers all of us a real opportunity to rethink our clothing habits. As Oxfam put it: “This year has thrown us all into the unknown and given us pause.” Just as we’ve been able to adapt our social behaviours, we can also adapt our sartorial choices. It is evident that
sustainable
fashion
faces
systemic
obstacles
to
its
uptake
in
a
capitalist
society.
Second hand fashion, in particular, is the target of several lines of criticism that I would like to address.
20
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
"Ethical purchasing is too expensive" Second hand clothes are usually cheaper than
buying
new.
Furthermore,
since
the
advent of stores such as Primark, we have become accustomed in recent years to dirtcheap
prices
that
belie
the
high
ethical
cost behind their manufacturing. We must learn to see “cost” in a multi-faceted way; instead of “How much does this cost now?”, we should ask “How long will this item of clothing last me?” Instead of “This is more money than I could be paying for a t shirt”, we
could
instead
consider
that:
“I’m
redistributing wealth to those who need it. I’m making the world a fairer place.”
“Second hand fashionable” Besides
Coel’s
can
sponsorship
assertion
untrue,
coming
second-hand
Online
retailer
never
there
Thrift
are
be
proving many
fashion offers
this
up
and
brands.
customers
a
variety of options to customize their search, including high
a
choice
street
between
clothing,
designer
whilst
or
popular
influencers on Instagram increasingly model second-hand, donated, or older items.
“Buying second hand is impractical” It’s true that the particular circumstances of our
lives
in
2020
make
finding
good
second-hand clothes more time-consuming. Whilst
charity
shops
and
second-hand
outlets have gradually reopened their doors alongside the rest of the retail industry, instore changing rooms are currently out of use,
meaning
customers
to
that find
it
is
the
more
clothes
difficult they
for
want.
Whereas mainstream retail has a significant online
presence,
frequently
featuring
models who can show what the clothes look like when worn, second-hand fashion often lacks
this
increasing
advantage. momentum
However, that
is
the
behind
sustainable movements means that second hand
fashion
presence
on
now social
has
a
media
greater
online
platforms
than
ever before.
Instead of thinking of second-hand clothing as “worn” or “second-best”, we should be changing our shopping habits for the better. [“Thrift+ | Donate & Shop Second-Hand Clothes | #FashionForGood.” Thrift+, 2020, thrift.plus/. Accessed 27 Sept. 2020.] [Ambler, Laura. “What to Look out for This Second Hand September - Oxfam Online Shop Blog.” Oxfam Online Shop Blog, 28 Aug. 2020, oxfamapps.org.uk/shop-blog/sustainablefashion/second-hand-september-2020/. Accessed 27 Sept. 2020.]
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21
TOP READS OF THE MONTH
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The Brightside
1.
BY 2030 UBER WILL ONLY OFFER ELECTRICAL VEHICLES IN AMERICA AND EUROPE
2.
GENERAL ELECTRIC SAYS GOODBYE TO COAL
3.
UNILEVER WILL PHASE OUT FOSSIL-FUEL BASED CLEANING PRODUCTS
01-30 Sep 2020
Apple’s Market Value Soars to USD 2 Trillion by Dina Liabeuf editor Alice Manning
For the first time ever Apple’s market value has
hit
USD
2
trillion
(GBP
trillion).
However, Apple is definitely not the only tech
company
over
these
that
past
has
few
been
months.
flourishing Microsoft’s
earnings per share growth have gone over 20% as it and other US tech companies have
been
unprecedented
experiencing surge
in
popularity
an amid
the pandemic.
The presiding technological enterprise’s stock has officially peaked - grossing USD 468 per share - during early trading on Wall Street after a vault of almost 60% in the value of its shares during the year to date. Almost exactly two years ago the company's market
capitalisation
hit
USD
1
trillion.
The
sudden rise in tech firm shares this year has occurred due to turmoil from the coronavirus, according to market specialists. As Covid-19 spread, the world went remote. People were forced outside
into
isolation;
households
physical was
interaction
outlawed
and
everything had to be done from afar, causing humanity to turn to technology for refuge.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
23
Business The havoc of these past few months has
offered
investors
their
clearest
view yet of how the world will adapt and
integrate
technology
into
their
lives. And given that tech stocks are crushing
every
investment
other
this
year,
share
they
and
like
what
they’re seeing and are positive about reinvesting. The
driving
force
behind
this
unexpected rise in demand is said to also
be
the
created
by
flood the
of
US
cheap
central
money
bank
to
reinforce the economy as it attempts to recover
from
its
most
dramatic
plummet since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The international ruin for stock markets worldwide
in
preceded
the
February
and
tech-focused
March Nasdaq
hitting record levels of success in June. The
S&P
market,
500,
America's
reached
contrasting London's
new
the
FTSE
100
main
highs,
stock
deeply
performance
of
which
at
remains
almost 20% below its summit this year due to its constituent companies being more exposed to the pandemic and its catastrophic aftermath. For
Apple,
the
disarray
it
has
experienced started early in the year as factories in China - where its core electronic entered the
products
complete
company
to
are
made
lockdown, close
-
causing
Apple
stores
across the entire globe. Despite the havoc, the manufacturing spoiling proved short-lived and its stock rocketed after it was reported that it had experienced 11% growth in revenue during
the
rising
April-June
profits.
performance
quarter
The
relieved
amid
successful
the
majority
of
concerns the investors may have had; specifically, that demand for top of the range
iPhones
knocked
as
and
iPads
millions
of
would
be
customers
pondered whether they were at risk of losing their jobs.
24
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
Now, it is widely hypothesised that Apple will continue to prosper and grow in the post-coronavirus world where more workers are likely to be
fulfilling
their
jobs’
requirements from home. The
share
price
reaction
that
followed the last corporate results saw Apple dethrone oil firm Saudi Aramco
as
the
world's
most
valuable listed company. Online
solutions
storage rivals
have
such
also
including
Alphabet while
and
Amazon
gained
as
cloud
helped
tech
Google-owner Microsoft stock
enormous
surge
has
profit
also
from
its
entertainment and massive online shopping capabilities. Chris
Beauchamp,
analyst
at
IG,
chief
said
market
the
only
potential threat to the tech rally ahead
was
the
US
presidential
election.
Tech
stocks
continue
to
solidify
their
lead over the rest of the market, and Apple's push to cap
is
yet
USD2 trillion in market
another
lesson
in
how
investors continue to back the winners, clinging to the proven performance of the smartphone titan and other FAANG stocks even as concerns grow about the pace of the economic recovery...The big theme driving this market is growth, and Apple,
along
with
stocks,
has
shown
demonstrate
this
the
other
that
even
in
it
big can
these
tech still rare
times. -Chris Beauchamp
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
25
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26
The Brightside
1.
AIRBUS REVEALS PLANS FOR FIRST EVER ZERO EMISSION COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS
2.
FIRST SUCCESSFUL TEST DRIVE FOR FLYING CAR
3.
TEL AVIV FIRST CITY WITH ELECTRIC ROADS TO CHARGE VEHICLES
01-30 Sep 2020
COVID-19 UPDATES OVER 22 MILLION RECOVERED HOW CLOSE ARE WE TO A VACCINE?
142 PRE-CLINICAL VACCINES Vaccines not in human
29
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.
18
PHASE 2
VACCINES The vaccine is given to
9
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 29 Sep 2020 19.33 BST
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
27
Science & Medicine
September Suicide Prevention by Vasundhara Chaudhary editor Alice Manning
National Suicide Prevention Week (NSPW) is an annual week-long campaign in the United States to inform and
engage
health
professionals
and
the
general
public about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide.
By
drawing
attention
to
the
problem
of
suicide in the US, the campaign also strives to reduce the
stigma
surrounding
the
topic,
as
well
as
encourage the pursuit of mental health assistance and support people who have attempted suicide.
As
part
of
conduct
the
campaign,
depression
health
organizations
screenings—including
self-
administrated and online tests—and refer interested individuals to a national toll-free telephone number. Since 1975, NSPW awareness events have been held throughout
the
week
surrounding
World
Suicide
Prevention Day, which is recognized annually on the 10th
of
September.
The
dates
for
the
41st
annual
NSPW in 2015 were September 6–12. In 2020 it will be celebrated from September 6 to September 12.
Here I present to all of you an analogy of depression that will help you in dealing with it.
"The biggest battle you will ever fight is the one you will fight with yourself in your own head."Just notice the people around you; mostly, everyone is smiling - or at least, no one is crying. But you know the same person could be hurting inside, and that everyday at night somebody cries to sleep and has suicidal thoughts in their mind. By just looking at someone’s face, you can't imagine what they are going through. Each person has a different world within themselves. They, and only they, know what is going on in that world. The toughest thing anyone can face is their own internal struggle. Never judge anyone, because everyone has a unique story that only they know."
28
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
Depression is not a one-day emotion. Think of depression as a pot. When we were kids that pot was empty, but as we started to age there came challenges, successes and failures, competition, relationships and many more things besides. Life became complicated as we started growing up and that pot started to fill. You scored badly in an exam; you broke up with your partner; you didn’t win a competition; you didn't stand up to the expectations of your near and dear ones; you didn’t get the lead role in a play; you got a scolding by your boss; you hit financial crisis; you were rejected by the world; your peers made fun of you because of your physical appearance - and many more such things happened in your life. So then, what was the outcome of this?
Now think of a pot you put drops of water in everyday, until one day that pot becomes full because you forgot to drain the old standing water from it. Eventually, that pot becomes so heavy that it breaks. The same thing happens with us - failures, fears, rejection, anxiousness, pain, tension, stress and other negative emotions and happenings keep on accumulating in the pot called depression. One day that pot becomes so heavy that it breaks up, and we take the step of dying by suicide. Suicide can happen as a result of hundreds of negative emotions. Now what can we do to prevent the pot from filling up? That pot will never become empty, but we can do something to prevent it being filled up to the brim. We have another pot named the “Happiness Pot” that we should always try to fill up to the brim. For example: you obtain fewer marks in one exam, but gain better marks in your next exam. Simply
drain the pain of
getting fewer marks from the “Depression Pot” and put the pride of getting good marks in the “Happiness Pot”. Similarly,
make
emotions
into
an
effort
positive
to
ones.
turn
all
Keep
your
on
negative
draining
the
“Depression Pot”, and filling up the “Happiness Pot”. Never make assumptions about those with a smile on their face. Often people with the biggest smile and loudest
laughter
generous
and
are
kind
fighting to
the
others,
hardest
because
battle. you
Be
should
always be the reason for filling someone’s “Happiness Pot” and not their “Depression Pot”. [“National Suicide Prevention Week.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 May 2020, en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Suicide_Prevention_Week.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
29
Science & Medicine
Pyrostria Arayatensis & Begonia Cabanillasii: New Plant Species Discovered Amidst the Pandemic by April Evangelista editor Elina Mohan
In the middle of the pandemic this year,
new
plant
discovered
in
biodiverse the
species
one
of
countries
Philippines.
the
in
Last
has
been
17
mega
the
world—
September
18,
local news outlets in the Philippines reported
about
the
newly
found
species by a research team from the Angeles
University
Foundation
and
University of Sto. Tomas which was named plant
Pyrostria
species
arayatensis.
is
found
at
This
Mount
Arayat National Park in Pampanga. Department Natural
of
Environment
Resources-Central
(DENR-Central executive
Luzon)
director,
and Luzon office
Paquito
Moreno
Jr. told the public that the discovery of the plant species is an indication Mount
Arayat
maintained
the
National
Park
healthy
has
biological
diversity of the area because of the continuous plants.
growth
He
protect
of
rare
emphasised
and
to
native
also
continue
to the
conservation of the park because it is one of the important ecosystems in Central
Luzon.
Mount
Arayat
is
known as the home to 86 species of birds,
14
species
of
mammals,
species of reptiles, and
11
49 species
of trees and plants. There are also two endemic plant species that can be found in the mountain namely the Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) and the Chamberlain’s Pitogo (Cycas chamberlaini). This was published in Annales
Botanici
international August 10.
30
The Brightside
scientific
Fennici,
an
journal,
last
Almost two months before this news, a new species of flowering plant Begonia has also been
discovered
in
El
Nido,
Palawan—
a
beautiful island in Southwest Luzon that’s also rich in biodiversity. The new plant species is named Begonia cabanillasii and is described as a “shorter flower stalk with comparatively larger
flowers”
distinguished
and
for
its
can
also
be
“compact
easily rosette
growth”. This discovery was published in an international journal— Phytotaxa, by a group of researchers under the Philippine Taxonomic Initiative (PTI).
01-30 Sep 2020
John Michael Agcaoili, a field biologist at the PTI, told in an interview on Manila Bulletin that Begonia cabanillasii’s features “does not compare” to its closest allies, B. suborbiculata or B. quinquealata. He also added in the exclusive interview that the newly
discovered
species
of
Begonia
is
a
unique
5-winged
ovary that can only be found in species that live in Palawan. The field biologist also said that this certain species is currently known only to be in El Nido and has a very small population. This species is one of the six Begonia species which are endemic to El
Nido,
Palawan.
Other
species
that’s
also
endemic
in
the
island are B. blancii , B. elnidoensis , B. mindorensis Merr., B. suborbiculata,
and
B.
woodii
Merr.
Begonia
is
a
wildflower.
Agcaoili said in his exclusive interview that it is usually found in an “exposed limestone with deeply shaded moist forest”.
The group of Agcaoili gave the flowering plant
the
because
name the
of
“Begonia
plant’s
leaves
pavoides” resembles
Palawan Peacock-Pheasant’s tail but was later named after the local resident and naturalist
Will
contribution
Cabanillas in
field
to
honour
exploration
his and
biodiversity conservation.
Composing of 7, 641 islands on which only 2, 000 were inhabited, there’s
so
much
more
to
discover
in
Philippine
biodiversity.
The
Philippines also contains two-thirds of the Earth's biodiversity. This nation also has 70% of the world's plants and animal species. Being a
megadiverse
country,
the
Philippines,
it
is
truly
amazing
and
unimaginable how many more species are yet to be discovered for the next few years.
[“New Species of One of the Largest Flowering Plant Genera Begonia Discovered in Palawan - Manila Bulletin.” Manila Bulletin, 24 July 2020, mb.com.ph/2020/07/24/new-speciesof-one-of-the-largest-flowering-plant-genera-begonia-discovered-in-palawan/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.] [Efren, Ramon. “New Plant Species Discovered in Pampanga.” Philstar.Com, The Philippine Star, 17 Sept. 2020, www.philstar.com/nation/2020/09/18/2043218/new-plant-speciesdiscovered-pampanga. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.] [Miranda, Romar. “New Wildflower Species Found in El Nido.” INQUIRER.Net, July 2020, newsinfo.inquirer.net/1311616/new-wildflower-species-found-in-el-nido. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.]
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31
TOP READS OF THE MONTH
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1.
2.
32
The Brightside
RARE PINK DOLPHINS MAKE A COMEBACK TO HONGKONG WATERS
CHINA ANNOUNCED TO GO CARBON NEUTRAL BY 2060
3.
MONTREAL HOME TO THE WORLD'S LARGEST URBAN ROOFTOP GREENHOUSE AND FARM
4.
TAHLEQUAH THE ORCA-FAMOUS FOR CARRYING HER DEAD CALF FOR OVER 2 WEEKS HAS GIVEN BIRTH AGAIN
01-30 Sep 2020
Australia's largest predator-free haven
by Antonina Fastova editor Alice Manning
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
33
Environment A
region
in
New
South
Wales
(NSW)
has
announced that they have eradicated all feral cats
and
foxes
from
9,570
hectares
of
land.
Currently, the large quantity of feral cats and foxes
has
been
the
primary
cause
in
getting
Australia the status of worst mammal extinction rate in the world. The area will be the largest feral-free
safe-haven
in
the
country
and
will
help reintroduce endangered species.
After
twelve
weeks
of
construction,
37km
of
fence, and 8,400 posts, 40 square miles of vast land have finally been established in the Mallee Cliffs National Park. This has provided a large stretch that can be utilised for the revival of decreasing
levels
of
animals.
In
particular,
Bilbies, a highly endangered species have been decreasing
in
recent
decades.
As
diggers,
Bilbies will burrow and turn around twenty tons of
soil
per
valuable nutrient
in
year.
This
makes
maintaining
levels
in
the
them
good
ground.
incredibly
moisture
Currently-
and after
their release into the park environment- they are now in good condition and are on the rise.
Although, they are not the only animals that are
being
targetted.
Numbats,
Western
Quolls, and many more (including 10 that currently extinct in the region) will join the Bilbies in this initiative. This is an exciting prospect
because
most
of
these
species
have been gone from NSW national parks for almost a century, with almost all of them under threat of extinction.
At
the
hands
of
the
Australian
Wildlife
Conservancy with NSW National Parks and the Wildlife Service, this project has been able to interrupt Australia’s wildlife decline as well as reviving ecosystem development. Reflecting on the project, Chief Executive of
the
program,
Tim
Allard,
said,
“Even
though this project is still in its infancy, it’s already
delivering
a
positive
ecological
‘return’ for the people”.
[http://www.facebook.com/thegoodnewsnetwork. “Australia Declares Its Largest Feral Predator-Free Safe Haven – in Massive Mallee Cliffs National Park.” Good News Network, 19 Sept. 2020, www.goodnewsnetwork.org/mallee-cliffs-park-is-now-feral-predator-free-with-zero-feral-cats-and-foxes/. Accessed 20 Sept. 2020.]
34
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
Changes to Retail Habits From Lockdown Help Environment by Anastasia Toha editor Alice Manning During
lockdown,
shopping
to
shoppers
online
up
and
weekly-shops.
down
This
was
the
country
largely
due
switched
from
to
shopping
online
in-store
grocery
significantly
reducing the risk of coronavirus transmission. However, as lockdown eases, many continue to opt for online shopping and experts believe that lockdown was the catalyst to permanently change consumer habits. This shift is by no means a bad thing - it is doing wonders for the environment. Firstly,
online
shopping
tackles
the
issue of over-purchasing. By browsing, scrolling and clicking through pages of items instead of wandering through supermarket tempted
aisles,
to
Numerous
buy
we
are
unnecessary
studies
have
less items.
already
proven supermarkets are designed to make customers purchase extra items due
to
the
layout
of
the
aisles,
placement of products on the shelves and even down to the music that is being played in the background! For example,
the
BBC
published
an
extensive article last year titled “How do supermarkets tempt you to spend more
money?�
to
prove
how
supermarkets target all of our senses to
get
since
us
to
online
buy
more.
shopping
Therefore, bypasses
supermarket tricks and temptations, a customer
is
excessively potential
less -
likely
thus
for
to
purchase
reducing
wasting
the
perfectly
consumable food.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
35
Environment Moreover, online grocery shopping reduces carbon emissions. In a 2013 study conducted at the University of Washington, civil engineers Anne Goodchild and Erica Wygonik found that ordering groceries online could reduce carbon emissions anywhere between 20% and 75%. This number varies greatly depending on the customer. For example, letting a grocer choose your delivery window helps; it indicates that the company is grouping orders by location, hence cutting down on emissions. However, if the customer chooses the delivery slot, there is a greater chance the delivery driver is making a trip just for you.
Some may argue that delivery vehicles burn more gas than cars since they’re typically
heavier,
less
aerodynamic
and usually have an all-wheel-drive thus
making
them
less
eco-friendly
than cars. However, many companies are
already
on
track
to
significantly
cut these emissions by going electric. For example, ASDA has been using a fleet of electric vans since May 2020 in around 48 locations; The John Lewis Partnership integrate
(including
up
to
1,300
Waitrose) pure
will
electric
vans into its circuit by the end of 2021, and
Ocado
promises
to
only
use
electric vans to serve certain boroughs in London.
36
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
Lastly,
online
shopping
limits
plastic
bags
and
packaging. When a user goes to the online checkout page, they are met with the option to use or not
use
plastic
bags
when
they
receive
their
delivery. This makes the customer think twice about whether they need their goods to be bagged when carrying it from their front door to their kitchen. This is
arguably
the
most
effective
way
to
cut
out
plastic bags, since it has been proven the carrierbag
charge
Secretary
isn’t
Theresa
working. Villiers
Whilst
has
Environment
stated:
“...our
5p
charge [is] reducing plastic bag sales by 90% in the
big
supermarkets”,
this
statistic
is
missing
a
significant strand of data. This “90%” only accounts for the thin, flimsy, single-use plastic bags, and not the thick, durable ‘life’ plastic bags. To try to find out
the
real
figures,
FactCheck
asked
the
supermarkets to provide the number of 'bags for life' they have sold. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons
did
not
respond,
with
only
three
supermarkets providing any figures: Co-op, M&S and Waitrose. Between them they sold 58.8 million bags for life in 2018/19, a decrease of less than 2% since the year before. The managing director of Iceland admitted the supermarket was using more plastic: “These bags for life are a thicker, higher grade of plastic… We are selling less of them but it’s
not
yet
compensated
in
terms
of
the
extra
weight that they are for the fewer amount of bags that
we
are
selling.
So,
therefore,
I
haven’t
yet
reduced the total amount of plastic weight, even though
I
Therefore,
have the
eliminated
large
5p
crates
carrier
which
are
bags.” used
to
deliver online-groceries are the most eco-friendly solution. As part of our ‘new normal’, for the sake of the environment
and
ultimately
humanity,
we
should
make the shift from in-person grocery shopping to online grocery shopping.
Williams,
Martin.
“No,
Plastic
Bag
Sales
Aren’t
down
90%.”
Channel
4
News,
6
Aug.
2019,
www.channel4.com/news/factcheck/no-plastic-bag-sales-arent-down-90. Accessed 4 Sept. 2020. Gershenson, Gabriella. “Everything You Should and Should Not Feel Guilty About When Ordering Groceries
Online.”
Epicurious,
Epicurious,
26
Apr.
2018,
www.epicurious.com/expert-
advice/environmental-impact-online-grocery-shopping-article. Accessed 4 Sept. 2020. Ma,
Michelle.
“Grocery
Delivery
Service
Is
Greener
than
Driving
to
the
Store.”
UW
News,
2013,
www.washington.edu/news/2013/04/29/grocery-delivery-service-is-greener-than-driving-to-thestore/. Accessed 4 Sept. 2020. Bubbers, Matt. “How Much Do Cars Really Pollute?” The Globe and Mail, The Globe and Mail, 2 Aug. 2019, www.theglobeandmail.com/drive/mobility/article-how-much-do-cars-really-pollute/. Accessed 4 Sept. 2020.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
37
Environment Regenerative Agriculture: How Timberland Is Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future by Katie Wheatley editor Alice Manning
Many fashion brands are making an effort to become more sustainable and footwear and clothing brand Timberland is leading the way. By 2030, they want their brand to have a netpositive impact on the environment. They aim to embody regenerative agriculture and a circular economy.
The environment today is in a degraded state and, as a footwear and apparel brand, we are part of the problem. For decades Timberland has worked to minimise our impact but it’s time to do better than that. By following nature’s lead, and focusing on circular design and regenerative agriculture, we aim to tip the scales and have a net positive impact - to go beyond sustainability and help nature thrive. - Colleen Vien, Timberland's sustainability director
Starting with regenerative agriculture, Timberland will “seek to rehabilitate and enhance the entire ecosystem of the farm by [prioritising] soil health”. This is a method that “improves the resources it uses, rather than destroying or depleting them”. They aim to look at the system as a whole before homing in on specific areas which need the most attention.
38
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
Timberland’s kickstarted
‘Earthkeepers’ their
plan
to
shoe
range
include
has
materials
which would have gone to waste. They hope to
do
this
ranges
more
and
frequently
designs.
throughout
Through
the
their
use
of
recycled and scrap wool and leather, as well as materials generated from recycled plastic bottles,
the
achieve
a
defined principles
company
circular
as
hopes
that
economy.
This
“a[n]economy
of
designing
based out
they has
can been
on
the
waste
and
pollution, keeping products and materials in use
and
regenerating
natural
systems”.
All
leading fashion brands should one day strive to achieve this. Timberland hopes to source all of their natural materials
from
regenerative
sources.
Their
switch to regenerative agriculture has already begun
as
they
source
their
leather
from
a
number of ranches in America. Over the next decade, we will see this transition across the sourcing of their cotton, wool and sugarcane supply chains too.
Timberland’s
passion
for
becoming
more
sustainable is shining through as they are also funding the Savory Institute to research into the benefits of regenerative agriculture. The institute’s “research is used to inform policy discussions on issues such as climate change, land stewardship, and food security”, which are discussions that need to become more common in the fashion industry. Taking
accountability
for
their
negative
impacts on the environment was Timberland’s first step to making a change. Other fashion brands are failing to do this, and their blatant ignorance to the importance of sustainability is evident. Shoppers will admire Timberland’s efforts more
to
make
likely
competitors. inevitably
to
these shop
Once
positive
Timberland’s
sales,
changes with
other
impact it
is
and
them brands this
likely
will
over
will that
see have they
be
their the on will
follow in their footsteps. Although this is the outcome we are all hoping for, it is a shame that these decisions are motivated by money. Regenerative agriculture could be the answer that the fashion industry has been seeking all along. The greater exposure that this type of agriculture gets, the more likely it will be that fashion brands jump on board. Although it may take a while for them to make this switch, it’s better than making no switch at all.
[Ellen MacArthur Foundation. “What Is the Circular Economy?” Ellen MacArthur Foundation, www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/what-is-the-circular-economy.] [. George, S. “Timberland Targets Net-Positive Nature Impact by 2030.” Edie, 1 Sept. 2020, www.edie.net/news/7/Timberland-targets-net-positive-nature-impact-by-2030/.] [Rodale Institute. Rodale Institute, Regenerative Organic Agriculture and Climate Change: A Down-to-Earth Solution to Global Warming, rodaleinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/rodale-whitepaper.pdf.] [Savory Institute. “Support Holistic Management & Regenerative Agriculture.” Savory Institute, savory.global/.] [The Climate Reality Project. “What Is Regenerative Agriculture?” The Climate Reality Project, 2 July 2019, www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/what-regenerative-agriculture.]
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
39
TOP READS OF THE MONTH
ENTS AND ARTS PLACE QUESTION STICKER HERE
READ FULL STORY ON INSTAGRAM @THEBRIGHTSIDEMZ
40
The Brightside
1.
A NEW VERSION OF BATMAN WILL FEATURE THE SUPERHERO AS BLACK
2.
CHRISSY TEIGAN HELPED HUNDREDS OF TEACHERS TO BUY SCHOOL SUPPLIES
3.
WORLD'S FIRST HAPPINESS MUESUM NOW OPEN IN COPENHAGEN
01-30 Sep 2020
‘Fall Guys’, the Next ‘Fortnite’? by Georgina Griffiths editor Hannah BrooksHughes
Back
in
Guys’ and,
August
was with
an
(Playtracker, Playtracker highly
this
year
to
PC
estimated ),
popular It
which
the and
7.1
12/9/2020, Insight
community. genre
of
released
has
a
Battle
became
play the game and those who only watch others who do.
players
Guys
stats
since
become
‘Fall Guys’ has become a popular game on
gaming
streaming platforms and as I am writing
amongst
is
‘Fall
Playstation
million
Fall
it
game
the Royale
popular
by
game,
amongst
a
the
this
article
thousand
there
are
people
currently
watching
50.1
gameplay
masses by the release of ‘Fortnite’ and ‘PubG’,
footage on the popular streaming platform
which
Twitch.
is
largely
non-violent.
Each
game
Compared
to
Fortnite
which
has
5
221.8K viewers that seems like nothing, but
rounds. In the end there is only one winner
Fortnite has been in the game for longer.
which therefore means it is very likely that you
Fortnite
will
and
been increasing in popularity over the past
variable nature, due to the changing levels,
few years. It is now an integral aspect of
do prevent the strain which may be caused by
popular culture and it would be hard for a
a streak of losing. Recently, “TimTheTatMan”,
game
a
however the fact that ‘Fall Guys’, a game
consists
of
up
lose...
a
streamer
worst
to
lot.
on
player
59
other
The
bright
“Twitch”,
ever
as
players
he
was had
and
colours
deemed never
the
won
a
which
is
to
largely
beat
does
it
not
free
in
to
terms
originate
play
of
and
has
popularity,
from
a
large
game while investing hundreds of hours into
gaming company, is thriving with a quarter
the game, his first win, which had taken about
of the views that a game which has been
a month since the game’s release, was posted
popular for years is impressive to say the
to the “Fall Guys” official Twitter account and
least.
the response was a wave of congratulations. an
Even before the game’s official release it
attractive feature of the game. The person in
was predicted to be one of 2020’s hot
charge of the account posts memes about
new
the
states “The game is fun, and thanks to the
The
“Fall
game
about
it,
Guys”
and for
account
includes
example
useful
the
is
also
information
horrifying
reality
games.
PlayStation
The Plus
media deal,
website
it’ll
be
Polygon
extremely
which is the player’s avatar, a bean shaped
accessible to a large amount of people.”
humanoid,
and that “Fall Guys is also pretty fun to
is
183cm
tall
(or
over
6
ft.),
this
Twitter account is appreciated by both those
watch, meaning it’ll be good for streamers”
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
41
Ents and Arts (Polygon, Julia Lee, Fall Guys may be the next
huge
Forbes battle “kill”,
game
states royale
it
2020).
it
that
into
still
Similarly,
conceptualizing
without
turns
different
of
“By
that
basic
something
keeps
the
a
verb
totally
essential
building blocks of what made PUBG so successful.”(Forbes,
David
Their,
‘Fall
Guys’ Is The Evolution Battle Royale Has Been Waiting For). In conclusion, by the concept
‘Fall
Guys’
is
a
success
as
it
incorporates the nature of Battle Royale games
but
without
the
violence
which
has a lot of stigma surrounding it. Although
‘Fall
Guys’
is
not
strictly
the
next ‘Fortnite’ it is still a large,valid and non-violent game which can be played or
easily
watched
platforms.
The
on
gaming
streaming community’s
response to the release of the game has been
exciting
release
of
and
this
new
welcoming. game
has
The been
successful even given the fresh concept.
ć
[Marijan Mikoli . “Fall Guys Stats by Playtracker Insight.” Playtracker.Net, 2020, playtracker.net/insight/game/60850. Accessed 16 Sept. 2020.] [Thier,
Dave.
“‘Fall
Guys’
Is
The
Evolution
Battle
Royale
Has
Been
Waiting
For.” Forbes, 26 July 2020, www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2020/07/26/fallguys-is-the-evolution-battle-royale-has-been-waiting-for/#473ada313376. Accessed 16 Sept. 2020.] [Thier,
Dave.
“‘Fall
Guys’
Is
The
Evolution
Battle
Royale
Has
Been
Waiting
For.” Forbes, 26 July 2020, www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2020/07/26/fallguys-is-the-evolution-battle-royale-has-been-waiting-for/#473ada313376. Accessed 16 Sept. 2020.]
42
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
Attenborough’s Ability to Lift Our Spirits by Immy Higgins editor Hannah Brooks-Hughes Attenborough’s ability to lift our spirits As the August bank holiday Monday drew to a gloomy close, a ray of sunshine burst through in the form of my family’s screening schedule – Planet Earth:
A
Celebration.
Ex-BBC
director-general
Lord
Tony
Hall
stated
that
“this
thrilling
journey around the world promises to lift everyone’s spirits” – it did not disappoint. Opening with the enchanting sight of bottlenose dolphins surfing huge South African waves, the programme provided immediate escapism from our lockdown existence. The hour-long programme may have been composed of repeats, pulling together David Attenborough’s greatest hits from Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II, but its scenes of aweinspiring
natural
wonder
were
Attenborough’s
familiar
product
collaboration
of
a
and
as
engaging
soothing between
as
voiceover
if
viewed
narrates
classically-trained
for
the
events,
the
rapper
first
time.
soundtrack
Dave
and
Whilst is
the
composer
extraordinaire Hans Zimmer.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
43
Ents and Arts
Dave stated that he’s “always been a fan of powerful natural history documentaries. This is where
nature
and
music
come
together”
and
this
is
evident
in
the
programme;
the
soundtrack blends beautifully with the filming. Whether it’s the cheery, fast-paced guitar melody
that
accompanies
the
flamingo
parade,
or
the
toe-curdling
action
music
that
accentuates the tension of the infamous Iguana escape, the score shifts in order to cultivate a wonderful acoustic experience. Perfectly timed for audiences, the programme’s depiction of animals overcoming adversity sends an important message: we can summon courage and overcome. From the majestic pride of lions that fight for survival in the scorching Namib desert – believed to have been dry since dinosaur’s walked the earth – to the incredibly rare Himalayan snow leopard that devotes herself to protecting her cub at all cost before releasing it into the hostile mountain climate, Attenborough’s animals prove that endurance is possible even in the face of failure and despair.
But the exquisite camerawork does not shy away from the darker side of nature. As we have all been made particularly aware of in the recent months, death is a part of life and nowhere is this clearer than in nature. The octopus suffocates the shark by ingeniously placing its tentacles inside its gills. The trevally fish leaps magnificently out of water to eat seabirds mid-air. Realism and hope coalesce as hope and survival become possible only through self-defence and sacrifice. Nowadays, it is rare that my family all come together to watch a programme – my brothers magnetized to Netflix series on their laptops, my parents falling asleep in front of crime dramas. Planet Earth: A Celebration changed this for one night, bringing us all in front of the TV. Chiming in with laughter, gasps and curious comments, we were united – like the pride of lions, like the pod of orcas, like the flamingo parade. From the importance of connection impressed on us by the snow leopards that leave cheekrubbed or urine-splashed messages to each other on ragged Himalayan rocks, to the lesson in pragmatism taught by the orcas act of stunning herring with shockwaves before feeding, this programme is an inspiring hour of much-needed distraction and complete wonder. Like the dolphins, we can feel joy. Like the shell-encrusted octopus, we can protect ourselves. Like the fiercely loyal snow leopards, we can protect others. Like all these animals, we can adapt, unite and endure.
44
The Brightside
TOP READS OF THE MONTH
SPORTS PLACE QUESTION STICKER HERE
READ FULL STORY ON INSTAGRAM @THEBRIGHTSIDEMZ
1.
2.
3.
BLACK MLB PLAYERS DONATE SALARIES TO ORGANISATIONS TACKLING RACIAL INEQUALITY
NIKE LAUNCHES THEIR FIRST SPORTSWEAR RANGE DEDICATED TO PREGNANT WOMEN
WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM HIRES FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT IN NFL HISTORY
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
45
Sports NBA Stars Donated Blood for Convalescent Plasma Therapy by Juliane Emanuelle editor Fiza Jain
A
disease
is
something
unpredictable,
helpless,
impalpable, and endless. It may affect anyone and everyone. A celebrity,
healthcare
athlete,
teenager,
even
random
a
met
It
and
stranger
somewhere
pathway.
worker,
elder,
you
along
doesn’t
a
choose
which prey it wants to leech on, it
just
most like
casually
creeps
unexpected how
tested
4
NBA
positive
however,
in
the
ways.
Just
players
who
for
COVID-19,
fortunately,
they
survived through the sorrowful pain
that
was
inflicted
onto
them.
Marcus Smart, one of the most well-known basketball guard positioning players on the Boston Celtics NBA team contracted COVID-19 and efficaciously fought it very well. Due to the antibodies, he developed, he, like one of the four NBA players who got the coronavirus, proceeded to donate a huge amount of blood for the COVID-19 patients that are still undergoing an excruciating remaining identities
battle
three hidden
on
NBA for
the
end
players
their
own
of
the
line.
However,
persisted
in
sake
privacy,
and
keeping and
the their also
volunteered to contribute to the experimental therapy which is known as, “Convalescent Plasma”. This remedy is known for utilising the antibodies in blood donated from the recovered patients to aid in restricting the bacteria in the patients who are suffering from an illness.
46
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
Marcus
Smart,
himself,
admitted
that
he
was
coronavirus-free and wholeheartedly volunteered in the said experiment to help those who are in need, along with three other anonymous NBA Players. According to Joyner,
an
anaesthesiologist
from
the
Mayo
Clinic,
mentioned that those other three NBA players are very well known professional players too. Not only that, but the NBA also donated a massive amount of cash,
USD
100,000 to the National COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project that is under their “NBA Together” campaign. The donation of the NBA itself and its players has greatly served
COVID-19
patients,
their
peers
and
families,
healthcare workers with its facilities and platforms, and society itself. It will leave a legacy and a mark on their hearts
for
their
unending
support
and
kind-hearted
actions in their volunteering for the proposed subject. It will not only help the patients, but also the citizens who are trying their best to survive and maintain a healthy way of living in the best possible way.
In times of trouble, pain, suffering, and the middle
of
a
chaotic
battleground,
we,
ourselves are the only ones who will rise and help each other’s backs. No matter how little or
big
your
contribution
is,
no
matter
how
early or late you help, or no matter how many times or little to no help you did, everything matters in the end. The world may be fighting with a humongous troublesome virus that is gradually eating us all up, but we will once again rise from our darkest days and provide a shining light indicating that we won and that the battle is over. Only a tiny leap of faith will do, and eventually, everything will be alright.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
47
Sports
Naomi Osaka: Keeping Victims of Racial Injustice in the Headlines by Kiki Elbaz editor Fiza Jain
48
The Brightside
01-30 Sep 2020
There is a shining star at the 140th tennis US Open and it is the remarkable Naomi Osaka. The former champion of the 2018 event
has
once
again
advanced
to
the
fourth round of the US Open for the third year in a row. Not only was Osaka ranked number one by the WTA, but she is also the first Asian tennis player to be at the top for her rank in singles. However, this professional
athlete
does
more
than
represent Japan in her victorious matches since Osaka has also decided to use her athletic
platform
to
raise
awareness
of
racism and police brutality. She does so not
only
on
social
media
but
also
by
wearing a different mask in each match. In round one, Osaka wore a mask to honour Breonna Taylor who was a twenty-six-year-old Black woman that was killed by police on March 13th.
In
round
McClain,
a
two,
Osaka’s
mask
twenty-three-year-old
read
Elijah
Black
man
who was killed by police officers in August. In round
three,
she
put
on
a
mask
to
commemorate Ahmaud Arbery, a twenty-fiveyear-old Black man who was killed by two white men
that
chased
him
down
while
he
was
innocently jogging through his neighbourhood, in February. In an interview following her third match,
Osaka
said
"I
would
like
everyone
to
know that it was completely avoidable — this did not have to happen. None of these deaths had to happen. I just want everyone to know the names." Should she continue to advance in the tournament, Osaka told reporters that she has a mask for all seven rounds to honour the victims
of
systemic
racism
and
spread
awareness of police brutality around the world.
Osaka is adamant in using the global platform she is a part of to make a wide range of people knowledgable of the genocide of Black people by police officers. Her advocation for
social
justice
is
at
the
forefront
of
the
sports
world,
attracting other famous players to speak up as well. Billie Jean King is one of those players and she complemented Osaka as being someone she really admires “for doing what she has done. And also sports is a platform. And we’re very fortunate, women’s tennis, we are the leaders in women’s sports and Naomi has really stepped up.” King is one of many athletes and fans that are impacted by Osaka’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement. As Osaka takes a public stand for what is right, she has become a national leader in the sports world that encourages every person, athletic or not, to fight for justice and equality.
www.thebrightsidemag.co.uk
49
The Brightside ISSUE 04 SEPTEMBER 2020