Mila Zayats '26
Though I’m not much of a holiday person–I love watching people come together and celebrate different occasions with fun, and even random, traditions. One of those holidays is St. Patrick's Day! Or as I like to call it, St. Patty’s. Somehow, I learned the story of St. Patrick through a children's book I read when I was 5, that surprisingly didn't include much green in its illustrations. The holiday was started in 1631 to honor St. Patrick, a Patron Saint of Ireland, and to commemorate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. In the earlier centuries, the holiday was celebrated through religious services and feasts, but over time, as the Irish immigrated to the United States, the fun and colorful celebrations of this March holiday began to form. I’m not a very religious person, so despite its very interesting history and beginnings, I much prefer the modern day celebrations. Though I struggle to find anything green to wear as soon as it’s March 17th, and I grumble to myself as soon as I wake up knowing that I will at least get one “Where’s your green?” and about four “Are you wearing green underwear?”, I adore seeing crowds of people in various greens, having the times of their lives. And yes, I am not the biggest fan of green, but not many people are lovers of the vibrant color, so I think it is right for us to have a day where we indirectly celebrate such a color with such range. From calming sage and beautiful emeralds, to Shrek and his swamp alongside Oscar the Grouch, I think green is a color with many talents. And I know that St. Patrick’s isn’t the least bit patriotic but that’s what makes it appealing! Many places devote this one day to celebrate a country whose culture and people may be so different from their own, yet for one day, it feels like someone randomly threw green paint buckets across the world. If you’re not one for going out to the pubs, then I strongly recommend you try some delicious Irish food even from the comfort of your couch! You can probably UberEat it and the food will get to you safe and sound despite the Irish ruckus occurring outside your door. Bread pudding, seafood chowder, shepherd’s pie, boxty, bangers and mash, and even some pasties are sure to keep you full throughout your day of festivities! And you can't forget the classic Irish shortbread for your sweet tooth, and if you’re daring–then try some black pudding! Though it may look unsettling, it’s really good, especially alongside a full Irish brekkie. Despite some who view dressing up for a holiday as tacky, I enjoy it as it reminds me of being a kid with no worries other than how a multicolor wig looks. Many stores go all out for this small but mighty holiday, devoting several sections of their aisles to sprouting green ribbons and banners, with Irish flags on hats and bows, and shamrock everything. Such a holiday brings in millions for business due to customer demand; not only is it fun but profitable! You can even have a St. Pat’s themed party as a way to catch up with friends and celebrate something just for the sake of it. Of course, if you haven’t been to Ireland, and it’s on your bucket list then St. Patrick’s is probably one of the best times to go! You get immersed in Irish culture during their serious celebrations of their own holiday all while exploring a new country. And if Ireland hasn’t yet nestled itself onto your list of places you wish to travel to, add it quickly! From the bustling Dublin, to smaller Limerick, Galway, and Cork, and the many country towns surrounded by green grass and cows–there are bucket list worthy destinations for everyone. Explore the beautiful castles, the gigantic cliffs, and quaint yet colorful towns and of course, take lots and lots of pictures! You could make a St. Patrick’s Adventures scrapbook to remember your travels. So this March 17th, don’t be a Debbie downer and embrace the green, the beards, and the shamrocks! Buy some fun green shirts and sparkly necklaces, and search for a fun, ginger beard! Enjoy the festivities while accepting your inner leprechaun for the day! Happy St. Patrick’s!! Sources: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g35325053/traditional-irish-food-dishes/
2 Comments
Will Marino '25
Disclaimer: This Article Is Best Read While Listening to “Live at the Village Vanguard” by The Bill Evans Trio In the lexicon of jazz, the form “coltrane changes' 'manifests a certain fear in beginner and intermediate musicians. The set of chord changes, made famous by the title track of John Coltrane’s 1960 album, Giant Steps, results from taking a standard major ii V I chord progression such as | C-7 | F7 | Bb△7| Bb△7| and making a series of substitutions on the first three chords. In the first measure, C-7 is only played for two beats while Db7 is added to take up the second two. Then in the second measure, F7 is replaced with F#△7 on beats one and two and A7 on beats three and four. The following measure starts with D△7 then goes to F7, which finally resolves to Bb△7 in the last bar. Each 7 chord serves to tonicize the △7 chord after it so, these substitutions create 2 tonal movements each down a major third from the previous key center (F major to D major to Bb major.) This is all to say Giant Steps” is a confusing and complicated tune to play over. The mark of a masterful piece of jazz improvisation is the implication of the form of the tune (the chord changes) within the solo. To whisper but not shout the underlying harmony. It would then follow that a tune like “Giant Steps”, with its maze of harmony would make for a clunky solo. Listening to any master play the changes proves the opposite is the case (check out recordings by John Coltrane, Joe Pass, the Pat Metheny Trio, and Victor Wooten). The tune forces unorthodox lines out of musicians. In this way beauty sprouts from the near-contradictions of the form as each soloist propels themself forward in a flow of abstraction. Jazz has always stood out to me for its contradictory nature. I recently heard it characterized as “art in real time,” with a record simply representing the events of a passing few moments. While this seems agreeable enough to me, it neglects the decades of dedication put into conditioning yourself for the here and now. The language of improvisation (lines, grooves, pieces of theory) is internalized through hours of practice to serve as a vehicle of self-expression. Think about it now so you don’t have to later. Further, you might spend hours practicing the changes of a tune one night, only for completely new ideas to come to you while playing with other musicians. Similarly, art in real time necessitates spiritual practice. To learn to be in the moment, you must learn to be in the moment, by being in the moment. No wonder the appeal of spiritualism to jazz musicians (most evident in John Coltrane’s magnum opus, A Love Supreme). Jazz finds power in its abstraction. All a solo can say is “this is how things are.” In this way, it reveals everything about the soloist’s heart in a deeply spiritual form. It removes itself from our order of symbols and transmits itself in a way that is incomprehensible but deeply understandable if you open yourself to it. This is the ultimate appeal of the art form. The near impossibility of true expression keeps jazz remote. It is unappealing unless engaged with and unmasterable without turning yourself inside out. Jazz can never be co-opted or sold out for these reasons. It remains pure, because if it weren’t, then it simply wouldn't be. Molly Doster '25
Groundhog Day, celebrated every February 2nd, may seem like just another quirky holiday to some, but for me, it holds a special place in my heart. As a high school student, I find myself enamored with the whimsy and tradition that surround this unique holiday. To me, Groundhog Day brings a sense of anticipation and wonder. The idea that a groundhog, such as the famous Punxsutawney Phil, can predict the coming of spring based on whether it sees its shadow is both charming and fascinating. It's a tradition that connects us to nature and the changing seasons, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life. Moreover, Groundhog Day provides an opportunity for communal celebration and unity.Whether it's watching the festivities unfold on television, attending local events, or simply discussing the predictions with friends and family, there's a sense of camaraderie that comes with participating in this age-old tradition. It's a chance to come together as a community and revel in the shared experience of hoping for an early spring. Groundhog Day also offers a welcome break from the monotony of winter. In the midst of cold weather and dreary days, the lightheartedness of Groundhog Day injects a dose of joy and excitement into the season. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest days of winter, there is always the promise of brighter days ahead. Merit Johnson '26
If you have ever talked to me, you know I love the movie “Cars”. You might think it’s a simple movie about a car trying to win the “Piston Cup”, but it is so much more than that. "Cars" isn't just a joyride through Radiator Springs; it's a turbocharged tale of self-discovery, community, and the importance of taking life's curves with a sense of humor. At first glance, Lightning McQueen might seem like just another overconfident and arrogant race car, but beneath that shiny exterior lies a vehicle with a heart of gold (and maybe a little rust). His journey from egomaniacal speedster to a car who values friendship and community is like watching a midlife crisis unfold in the fast lane, complete with detours, breakdowns, and unexpected pit stops. Through Lightning's transformation, we witness the power of humility and empathy in shaping our relationships and finding true fulfillment. And let's not forget about Mater, the lovable tow truck with a penchant for tall tales and toe-tapping country tunes. With his folksy charm and questionable taste in automotive fashion, Mater reminds us that it's not the make or model that matters, but the memories we make along the way. Mater's unwavering loyalty and quirky antics serve as a humorous yet poignant reminder of the importance of embracing our quirks and cherishing the bonds we share with others. But beyond the humor, "Cars" delves into deeper themes of identity, heritage, and the importance of embracing diversity. Through Lightning's interactions with the colorful residents of Radiator Springs, we're reminded of the richness that comes from celebrating our differences and forging genuine connections with others. Characters like Doc Hudson, with his storied past as a legendary racer, impart valuable lessons about the importance of honoring our roots while also embracing change and progress. In a world that often values conformity over individuality, "Cars" challenges us to embrace our unique identities and appreciate the beauty of our collective tapestry. In a world obsessed with speed and success, "Cars" encourages us to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the beauty of the journey. Because as Lightning McQueen learns, it's not just about crossing the finish line first, but about the obstacles we overcome and the friendships we forge along the way. Whether we're cruising down the highway of life or navigating the twists and turns of our own personal journeys, "Cars" reminds us to savor the moments, cherish the connections, and find joy in the ride. So, the next time you're in need of a little inspiration, just remember: "Cars" isn't just a movie about talking vehicles, it's a turbocharged tale of friendship, redemption, and the power of a well-timed pit stop. Anonymous
On February 5 Dartmouth announced that it was joining the growing list of colleges returning to the standardized testing requirement for undergraduate admission from 2029 onwards, taking great pains to convey that standardized tests are valid predictors for study success. Earlier in 2022, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Georgetown University reinstated their mandatory standardized testing policy. On the other hand, the University of California decided to end the use of standardized tests for admissions purposes in 2021. Some colleges like Brown are still undecided. They are maintaining a “test-optional” policy for all applicants in the 2023-2024 admission cycle but planning to re-evaluate the decision before the 2024-2025 application cycle begins. While a significant number of colleges including Colombia and William and Mary are still saying they are test-optional, college counselors across the Close highly recommend that students applying to highly selective colleges should not give up the opportunity to add another data point to demonstrate that they are at the level that these colleges require. This is because admissions counselors look at test scores along with “other information” to assess academic promise as they read applications. There is a tremendous amount of subjectivity in the way the information is used to select the candidate, not all of which is about the student’s aptitude for the skills required to study in the desired college. This reflects what we hear from our college counselors, as well as college admissions officers: the whole selection process is an “art, rather than a science.” This is also apparent in the scatter charts showing historical data on which students with what SAT scores/GPAs were rejected/wait-listed/accepted at “prestigious” colleges. Students with the highest grades were declined for some obscure reason that they will never know but which will scar them for life due to the high-stakes nature of the decision (clearly where a person's study has a long-term impact on a student’s future). The whole selection process is an unfortunate black box. Colleges should of course scrutinize every aspect of a student's high school experience to decide whether that student is at the level that the college requires. But since admissions officers spend no more than 15-20 minutes per application, they should do so in a formulaic way, using criteria and tools that are evidence-based, transparent to the applicants, and resistant to bias (by being “flexible” or lowering entry standards for instance). Compare the US undergraduate student selection process with the UK. The UK system is very transparent. Colleges focus strictly on exam results and methods of testing such as admission tests and interviews. US colleges need to be transparent not only about the admissions criteria they use but how the criteria are measured. This could be done easily by rating each of the admission criteria on a 5-point scale and articulating it transparently to prospective applicants. This information should be made available, in good time, and through appropriate channels to prospective applicants. Transparent admissions criteria would allow applicants to estimate whether their academic background, achievements, and attributes are suitable for a college and how they could better prepare or improve to get a chance of admission, make well-informed choices that fit their academic skills, and enhance perceptions of fairness in decisions regarding their application. In other words, it would ensure that admissions practices are fair, transparent, and robust; support student choice; and do not create unnecessary uncertainty and stress. In this age of data-driven activity, there is no excuse for using subjectivity in admissions processes. Using subjectivity has a wide range of negative consequences, including admitting students who are unable to complete programs and putting off students who have a chance to be admitted. Hope Barringer, '24
I, personally, was not surprised to learn that I was in the top 0.05% of Noah Kahan’s listeners this past year. But it was a source of confusion for some people, especially my parents, as to why I dedicated 10,328 minutes of 2023 listening to Noah Kahan. Maybe it’s his soulful melodies, or Kahan’s distinctive ability of seamlessly transitioning from delicate harmonies to robust notes. But most of all, I think it is the strikingly raw lyrics which evoke the pain and heartache of growing up in today’s world, that speak so strongly to our generation. Kahan’s first two albums, “Busyhead” and “I Was / I Am”, released in 2019 and 2021 respectively, introduced him as an up and coming pop artist. But it was not until October 2022 when his third album, “Stick Season”, debuted that Kahan really rose to stardom. This album was different from the others. More introspective and nostalgic, “Stick Season” allowed Kahan to reflect on his childhood growing up in rural northern New England. Although his first two albums had touched on personal matters, in “Stick Season” Kahan contemplates his successes and failures in a way that is both relatable and existential. It had a rapid fire effect, and the title track quickly reached 14 on the U.S. Billboard 200. Although Kahan’s incredible success might be a fairly recent phenomenon, the category he fits into, sad white men who happen to be singers, is certainly not. James Taylor, for example, mastered the art of soulful, charismatic music in the 1970’s. Just like Kahan, Taylor’s music has its roots in the American folk song tradition, featuring a guitar playing guy with longish hair and wrinkled button-down shirts. I think Noah Kahan’s music is important for so many people because it speaks to such relatable emotions and experiences. Even more so, he is spreading his talent at a time when people need to hear that they are not alone. This ability to connect and relate to such universal, yet isolating, emotions is what I believe that makes Kahan so popular. By openly discussing his mental health struggles, Kahan is helping to destigmatize anxiety and depression. Additionally, he has started his own mental health initiative, The Busyhead Project, to support local organizations. Ultimately, this is why I find myself playing and replaying Noah Khan’s music to the point of accumulating those 10,000 minutes. The subject of Kahan’s songs are not exclusive to his own personal life, but extend to the universal experience of almost all young people of our generation. Tara Shivakumar, '24
Declan McKenna entered the music sphere presented as the face of youth protest artists after releasing his song Brazil which criticized FIFA in the 2014 World Cup. Soon afterwards, the British indie-pop artist released his debut album What Do You Think About The Car with hits similar to Brazil in terms of their strong socio-political standpoints. When beginning the work on his sophomore album Zeros, McKenna furthered his declaration of political and socio-economic standpoints – partially inspired by the work of historian Yuval Noah Harari. Zeros presents his glam rock-inspired vision of a dystopian world overtaken by socio-political difficulties, with songs like Twice Your Size and Sagittarius A* discussing the ignorance surrounding climate change debates and similar environmental issues1. One song in particular, The Key to Life on Earth, addresses the “mundanity and hostility” of the amplified conflict between members of the working class and members of the upper class as a result of gentrification. In an interview with RadioX, McKenna states how the song “feels very suburban” and that “it’s set in a town like where [he] grew up”2. He adds that he feels that “more tension [is] evoked in suburban Britain” and that “The Key to Life on Earth is very simply discussing [those] sort of things” – referring to the influences of the upper class on British suburbia due to gentrification. In both the lyrics of the song as well as the music video’s cinematography, Declan McKenna showcases the principal effects of gentrification in plain sight. In doing so, he uses popular culture in the form of music to explain a socio-economic form of popular culture: the growing upper-class investment in previously working-class suburbs – or gentrification. As a result, McKenna succeeds in spreading awareness of the issue worldwide, connecting his audience back to his own background rooted in British suburbia. Through his simplistic yet illustrative lyricism, Declan McKenna illustrates the authoritarian role the upper class plays in gentrified areas as the landscape shifts from local necessities to wealthier luxuries. Correspondingly, he presents such issues to his larger audience in the popular culture realm. In the first chorus of the song, McKenna sings “Jokers, happy go xenophobe locals/Have got it in for me/for all I’m worth”. The line “happy go xenophobe locals” stems from the phrase “happy go lucky”, emphasizing how easy and careless it is for wealthy residents to be xenophobic towards previous locals. McKenna follows that line with “have got it in for me”, putting the xenophobe “locals” in a position of power over him. Finally, he states “for all I’m worth”, alluding to his lack of worth based on the growing class divide as a result of the upper-class populating suburbia. In the second verse, McKenna sings “‘Cause dirty streets these days are graced/By Nikes of black and green/And headstrong boys in Chinos/Barely grasp what that could mean”. By accompanying “dirty streets” with “graced”, he contradicts the previous associations of suburbia with the “grace” of the modern associations of wealth and power. McKenna additionally utilizes specific brand names “Nikes” and “Chinos” to further illustrate the changing associations of suburbia from “dirty streets” to wealthier outlets – initiating the effects of gentrification in the long run. McKenna then crafts characters using these name brands when he refers to “headstrong boys in Chinos/Barely grasp what that could mean” – suggesting that these “boys” wear these name brands in their neighborhoods yet fail to understand the authority they have on their environment as it adapts towards their interests and not the needs of the previously-existing working-class communities3. The bridge of the song serves as the conclusion for the song, where McKenna – accompanied by his band – sings “Come out and join us honey, we will/sort you out/Come work in Brookfield Park and we can shut /your mouth/Come work in Sainsbury’s babe until you’ve/ had enough”. The repeated “come out” and “come work” pose as an invitation from the working class to the upper class, alluding to the fact that members of the upper class simply do not have to work in the service industry to make a living. This phenomenon differentiates from the working class striving to sustaining themselves before wealthy commercial influences came into play and increased the value of these neighborhoods. McKenna depicts said situation through the invitations to specific locations: Sainsbury’s, a British grocery chain, and Brookfield Park, a county park in an average suburban town. Furthermore, McKenna utilizes “honey” and “babe” as endearing, babying terms directed towards the upper class, suggesting their innocence and inexperience surrounding participation in service-industry level jobs. His clear-cut lyricism illustrates the raw anger felt by the working class as a result of gentrification stripping away the original circumstances behind suburbia, allowing his lyrics to be carefully understood and reached by his audience. hen conceptualizing the music video for The Key to Life on Earth, Declan McKenna reached out to British actor Alex Lawther to be his costar as the two had been constantly for having similar appearances. Though similar characters in terms of physical appearance, Lawther’s character slowly takes over McKenna’s life over the course of the video, consuming all the power and leaving McKenna helpless. In doing so, the music video serves as a direct visual representation of the upper class taking over the working-class environment of suburbia, which McKenna exposes his and Lawther’s audience to. The video displays several fragments of interactions between Lawther’s character and McKenna’s character. These fragments – divided into separate stories – depict the shift of the characters’ dynamic as the video progresses. One of these stories in particular features the two sharing a sandwich. Initially, both McKenna and Lawther each have their own end of the sandwich. However, Lawther starts taking more of the sandwich in bigger bites. Eventually, he steals the whole sandwich from McKenna, who in the end has nothing. The use of the sandwich resembles the upper class slowly taking over resources of the working class. Instances such as replacing previously available resources with wealthy outlets demonstrate the increasing strength that the upper class holds over gentrified neighborhoods4, demonstrated by Lawther’s increasing intake of the sandwich. Another story depicts McKenna and Lawther sharing a room together. The first shot displays McKenna sitting in bed reading while Lawther lies on the floor. McKenna asks, “You sure you’re alright down there?” to which Lawther responds with a thumbs up. A few scenes later, Lawther looks at an offscreen McKenna from the ground, a “begging” look on his face. The next shot displays McKenna and Lawther sharing the bed and reading, however Lawther snatches the book, closes it, and immediately gets under the covers. McKenna, confused by Lawther’s actions, then struggles to tuck himself into bed while Lawther looms over him. As a conclusion to the story, Lawther sits in the bed reading and asks McKenna – now situated on the floor – “You sure you’re alright down there?” to which McKenna responds with a sharp middle finger. This particular chain of events of Lawther slowly taking over McKenna’s space correlates to the upper class taking over working-class neighborhoods as a result of gentrification. Furthermore, McKenna’s crude gesture represents the reaction of shock and disgust from the lower class as they no longer can afford to live in their own neighborhoods and are forced to move to a new part of the city or even country. Though the two characters start from similar positions in the various stories of the video, their roles morph as Lawther takes on more and more of what McKenna has. Thus, Declan McKenna demonstrates the effect that the upper class has on the changing landscape of British suburbia – and shares it with an even wider audience thanks to Alex Lawther’s participation. By showcasing clear, direct examples of the effects that gentrification has on British suburbia in both lyricism and cinematography in The Key to Life on Earth, Declan McKenna uses his genre of artistic popular culture to discuss the popular culture of gentrification. As gentrification across suburban Britain expands, McKenna expresses the importance of spreading the message of all its effects. Though its recent increases, gentrification in the UK began in the 1960s, making it far from a new phenomenon – which McKenna responds to by spreading awareness through the song. As he states how the suburban feel of the song relates to the town he grew up in, he brings in personal aspects that tie his work together, authentically rooting himself in British suburbia to represent the hardships of the working class. In the end, McKenna simply yet genuinely deconstructs the phenomena arisen from gentrification, therefore protesting that the working class deserves their own place in the world too. |