September 28, 2023
The Sudanese Civil War
By: Carsyn Queen
Sudan, a country in North East Africa, is fighting to restore civilian power in an authoritative government.
The civil war in Sudan is continuing to cause injuries and take lives as over 4,000 people have died and 6,000 more have been hurt in the conflict. The war that began in mid April of this year has displaced 4 million Sudanese civilians with as many as 1.1 million fleeing the country, according to CNN.
Following a long history of rebellion, the Sudanese people are continuing their fight against a forceful and unjust government in the latest of 35 coups in Sudan’s modern history. These attempts to overthrow the government- while not always successful- are the primary method of regime change in the country.
While Sudan is officially a democratic republic, the people are powerless under the oppressive rule. Thus, the Rapid Support Forces, the paramilitary group that was formerly run by the government of Sudan but now are a powerful force in Sudanese politics, are fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces, the official military of Sudan, in an attempt to restore civilian’s power in government by integrating the RSF into the country’s military.
There is currently no evidence of an agreement nor victory to end this war any time soon.
October 12, 2023
Falcon’s Ghostly Beliefs
By: Carsyn Queen
With Halloween quickly approaching and spooky season upon us, the debate over whether or not ghosts exist is ramping up once again.
In my search to find the truth, I turned to the NCLA’s very own high school Falcons. 46.2% of our high school students believe in ghosts which is about 10% more than the general US according to statistica.
Many believers cite their personal experiences as proof of the supernatural. One Falcon told of conversations with a great-grandmother as a young child only to find out that the great-grandmother they were talking to had died years prior.
Another high schooler explained that as a 10-year-old, they heard a noise in the kitchen at a sleepover. When they went to investigate, there was a “static-y figure that followed [them] back to [their] sleeping bag.”
Another Falcon and student council member, Joey Mattingly, believes in ghosts despite never having any first-hand encounters. Mattingly has, however, “witness[ed] the terror that set over a few individuals after their encounters.”
Other spooky supporters offer their religious beliefs as the reason for their faith in ghosts. A student described their belief in “soul cycles,” “If someone’s life is cut short, they aren’t able to complete the cycle and have to go through it elsewhere.”
Some believers rely only on faith and the inevitability of the mysterious as reasoning for the existence of ghosts.
Nick Swisher, a member of the NCLA student council, believes because “[he] just [hasn’t] thought of a reason to not believe in ghosts. [They] make sense to exist. There are plenty of strange phenomena that happen in the world and to not consider ghosts as one of them has just never crossed [his] mind. It’s such a fascinating topic and really does have an in-depth history.” Swisher further continued to highlight the more lighthearted aspects of believing; “Life would be boring if we didn’t think something spooky could happen.”
Many of the dissenting 53.8% blame the ease of ignoring the possibility- and fear- of ghosts.
Long-time Falcon, Andrew Ellis, just thinks, “It’s just one less thing to think about.”
One high schooler, Christopher Cornejo simply stated “[Ghosts] would be pretty spooky if they were real.”
Others don’t believe in ghosts due to the fact that they haven’t witnessed anything supernatural. One student, Finley Foust, “[doesn’t] believe in ghosts because of the lack of personal experience related to it.”
Some of the more scientific non-believers think that there isn’t enough evidence to prove the existence of ghosts. One such Falcon, senior Sophia Franks, “[doesn’t] believe in ghosts. [She] think[s] they’re a cute idea, born of people’s love for someone who’s passed away, but [Franks] think[s] there’s really no evidence that they’re actually there.”
After asking our high school Falcons, I’m still not sure whether or not ghosts exist. Do those with unfinished business walk among us? Do the undead watch our every move? Are we surrounded by the souls of those from years past? Maybe we’ll never know- but some of our Falcons seem to have decided for themselves.
November 16, 2023
The Holidays Through a Barista’s Eyes
By: Carsyn Queen
With the holiday season approaching and the temperatures dropping, customers are flocking into their nearest Starbucks in search of a cozy beverage. But, is Starbucks really more popular during this time of year? I asked some baristas in order to find out.
Katelyn Anderson, a full-time barista, explained that there is, “definitely a large increase [in the amount of customers]- especially because we have deals and stuff going on and a lot of people are coming in specifically for the holiday drinks.”
Anderson’s claim was proven as 44.4% of Starbuck’s customers surveyed said that they go to the chain more often during the holiday season.
Evidently, people love the holiday flavors, but which ones seem to be best? Anderson and her coworkers unanimously agreed that caramel brulée is the most popular flavor this season. 18.2% of customers surveyed claim that caramel brulée is their favorite holiday flavor.
The baristas also unanimously agreed that chestnut praline is the underrated flavor of the year. A shocking 0% of those surveyed said that chestnut praline is their favorite flavor.
Photo Credits: Starbucks
However, with 27.3% of customer votes each, the classic peppermint hot chocolate and peppermint white mocha are the favorites of those surveyed.
Thus, it seems that this holiday season, caramel brulée is a common choice but not the best option, a chestnut praline latte is a unique choice, and the classics are still favorites.
Now that we know what customers choose, what do the experts recommend?
Gracie Hendrix, a part time barista, loves the common peppermint white mocha but particularly iced.
Anderson has a more specific choice: an iced caramel brulée latte with oat milk and sugar cookie (another seasonal syrup) cold foam.
Next time you go to your local Starbucks, try a seasonal favorite- maybe one of the barista recommendations!