Author: thevisionroom

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Bingeables: The One

Written By: Samantha Stemmer

(Netflix)

Have you ever found yourself, after enjoying an episode of “Black Mirror”, wanting more? Have you ever thought, “the concept of this episode could be made into a whole series?” Well Netflix’s new series “The One” might be what you have been waiting for. “The One” which stars Hannah Ware as the series eight-episode lead was created by Howard Overman and debuted on Netflix on March 12, 2021. The sci-fi drama is just realistic enough to make you question if it could happen in real life, the same way “Black Mirror” does.

 

“The One,” based on the book by John Marrs, provides a solution to singles scrolling though dating apps, going on endless bad dates, and relationships that just do not work. CEO and founder of the app, The One, Rebecca Webb, played by Hannah Ware, discovered a way to match peoples DNA with their one true soulmate referred to as your “match.” While this may seem like a fairy tale to some, as the show progresses, viewers quickly see the repercussions that follow.

 

There are four main storylines that the show covers throughout the eight episodes. The first storyline follows Rebecca Webb in present day and what is unfolding as detectives discover a body in Thames River and suspect Rebecca has some connection to it. The second storyline is set in the past as Rebecca and her friend James discover the science to creating the matching technology. Thirdly, viewers follow the story of one of the detectives, Kate, as she meets her match. Finally, the last storyline is about a couple who is happily married but the wife decides to find out who her husband’s match is. The four storylines can result in a drastic change of tone in the show and ruin the flow, for example, one minute you’re enjoying a murder mystery and the next you’re watching the demise of a marriage.

(James Pardon/Netflix)

While all of the storylines are interesting in their respective ways, there is not enough time with each of them to truly feel satisfied. It seems that the writers were overly ambitious and might have had better success focusing on only one or two of the storylines provided. There was also a lot of lost potential with the lack of exploration of the sci-fi elements of the show that comparative series, “Black Mirror,” always seems to do so well. The show does however leave viewers wanting more and hoping for a second season as it wraps the final episode on a cliffhanger.

 

If you are searching for a binge worthy show that is not a huge commitment, I would recommend giving “The One” a shot. You are definitely going to have to focus while watching not to miss any plot points of the different storylines, but after the first few episodes you should be drawn in. If you decide to give this series a watch, let us at The Vision Room know what you think and if you would find out who your match is?

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Rodgers and “Jeopardy!” are Finding the Endzone

Written By: William Morales

 

Green Bay Packers Quarterback and NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers has shown he has the talent to host Jeopardy! after a very successful two-week stint.

After the unfortunate passing of Alex Trebek, the legendary Jeopardy! game-show host, in November, the producers have been looking for a new host to carry on his legacy. Many interim hosts have been given the chance to, not replace, but follow in the footsteps of Trebek. Ken Jennings hosted for 6 weeks through January and February and is well known for winning 74 straight games on the show. Mike Richards, the executive producer of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, hosted two weeks behind the famed podium. Following them, were Katie Couric, a journalist for CBS, and the well-known Dr. Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon with his own television show. These last two weeks have been special for sports fans, as future NFL Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers has taken the reins of the show.

 

Many sports fans see Aaron Rodgers as a very monotone and normal man. His first Jeopardy! appearance easily verified this belief. I, and many others, sat down to watch the first show and notice that Aaron was very relaxed and encompassed very little personality, until final Jeopardy!  Scott Shewfelt, the defending champion, referenced the Packers’ loss in the NFC championship that was questioned heavily with his final answer: “Who decided to kick that field goal?”. This answer caught Rodgers completely by surprise and left him with a witty response and a soft smile.

After day one, the quarterback turned TV host looked like a new man. Spitting out witty remarks, speaking with confidence, and conversing strongly with the participants are all reasons why Jeopardy! ratings have jumped back up. One of the clue creators that has been with the gameshow for 20 years, Jimmy McGuire, had some interesting things to say in an interview. Lindsay Wilcox reported: “He said Aaron Rodgers was the best guest host they had seen so far.” (CBS) The way Rodgers has presented himself over the past two weeks has wowed audiences, executives, and contestants. Don’t be shocked if you see Rodgers on Monday Night Football and 7:30 Jeopardy! at the same time (The show is filmed in advance!).

The great Alex Trebek was known to be inspirational and he once said “Take your job seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. After one of the shows, Aaron Rodgers posted a photo of the podium and all of the sticky he kept handy. This photo is the epitome of the previous quote. While the sticky notes along the bottom give him important yet simple reminders, the top one says, “Don’t pick your nose/butt.” Rodgers said he put it there in case “anyone was looking at my podium between games.” It was extremely light-spirited and funny to see. His most recent post on Instagram shows his appreciation and enjoyment and he finalizes it by using two hashtags: #lovethisshowsomuch and #somuchgratitude.

The consideration that Rodgers is getting is higher by a decent margin according to several Jeopardy! employees. At this rate, if none of the upcoming interim hosts can compete, Rodgers may have found a post-retirement job. He has showed great respect towards the show and a strong passion as well. It will be weird seeing the Packers legend on a gameshow each night, but it would definitely be a great tribute to both Jeopardy! and Alex Trebek.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CAN A SKIN BRAND BE 100% PERFECT?

Written by: Chisom Okoye 

(Christin Hume on Unsplash )

The other day I went to the nearest drug store to deal with my latest panic attack – my sunscreen had finished!

For some reason I thought it a wise idea not to carry more than one bottle of sunscreen in my suitcase when I packed for my big move to the United States because PEOPLE had advised it would be thrown out by customs. Everyone around me advised that I would find the same product, if not better, in the US and that it wasn’t a big deal. I believed them.

Then I found myself in the overwhelming sunscreen section weeks later, staring at rows of products (most of them in intimidatingly bright yellow containers promising the ultimate protection).

Spoilt for choice, I narrowed down my choices by picking the products that stressed their suitability for sensitive skin not only because I have sensitive skin but because I’m very sensitive about my skin. I also chose to focus on the products that promised the highest amount of SPF, for no particular reason other than seeking the ultimate protection. The game changer for me was focusing on brands that were known to produce the best products for skin generally – I needed that security, to know I wasn’t putting my skin’s health at risk!

(Birgith Roosipuu on Unsplash)

After purchasing the one I thought had ticked all my boxes, I found myself staring at my reflection in the mirror the next day, utterly horrified. I had never more disappointed with a product before! There I was, with the worst white cast I had ever seen (a greyish/white layer of cream all over my face). I thought it would break down and blend into my skin within minutes. For two hours I just sat there, almost looking like a clown. I just needed lipstick to complete the look! Never mind that it was supposedly the ‘best’ sunscreen product in the market, all I knew was that it would never see the light of day on my face let alone protect me from the sun!

I learned a very important lesson that day: when buying products to build the perfect skin regimen, the ultimate question shouldn’t be whether a skincare brand is good or not so that you can trust all the products of the one you decide is good. The question should be whether individual products are good or not!

There is a good skincare channel on YouTube (Doctorly) that I recommend that you watch. It explains that the reason for this is because there will be brands that excel in one area and completely miss the mark in others, in other words they have more good products than others and that then makes them more trustworthy, but it still shouldn’t be the determining factor when you’re assessing which products should work for your skin. The key is assessing each product individually and then making your judgment on whether it is perfect for you and meets your personal skin needs. It all boils down to preference. It is also important to note that brands are also adaptable because they take notes about what people are saying about their products so never be afraid to try new things to see what works for you!

I eventually resorted to looking for a different sunscreen from the brand I chose and selected a brand I hardly knew. It was unfamiliar but works wonders for my skin… so do not be afraid to experiment and stop playing it safe when it comes to skincare by hiding behind “Good” brands which may be popular and not necessarily “good” for everyone!

The link to the video I got this advice from is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekdDFYFKRCs

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An interview with The Budgetnista

Transcribed by Jimmysodope 

(Instagram @budgetnista)

 

James Frazier — My favorite thing about financial experts is that they
weren’t always financial experts. They often experience a fall from
grace then eventually reach a breaking point. Their stories remind us
that we won’t always get it right but we can learn and grow to make
the most out of unexpected changes. Tiffany Aliche knows this as well
as anyone. I had a conversation with The Budgetnista about her new
book titled “Get Good With Money” and what’s changed since the release
of her literary debut, “The One Week Budget”.

Tiffany Aliche — I’ll give an example. Literally, the book came out 10
years ago. 2011. And a friend of mine just bought a camera and he was
like what are you doing. I’m like nothing and he was like bring your
book to Barnes and Nobles. I said ok. Got to Barnes and Nobles. Got
dressed in the bathroom. Asked my friend who did makeup to do my
makeup in the bathroom. Put my book on the shelf and proceeded to do a
photoshoot. The manager comes over and was like you can’t do that.
Take this book off the shelf girl! Now yesterday I go to the bookstore
and my book is on the shelf. In that same section. So that’s how life
is different. It’s like the things I wished for are actually
happening.

JF — More than one million books are published in the United States
every year. That’s about. 2,700 new titles per day. I asked Tiffany
what made it so important for the world to receive “Get Good With
Money” now?

TA — Well I mean I think we all know pandemic, quarantine, job loss,
people worried about losing their homes. I wrote this book in the
beginning of all that. And into all of that because I saw how many
people were struggling. Especially our people. And I thought where’s a
guide. A simple easy to read and navigate guide that takes you from
the beginning of your financial journey through till the end.

JF — The national low-income housing coalition reported that 30–40
million people may have been evicted from their homes by the end of
2020. As of February 2021, there were 4.2 million more unemployed
people than in February 2020, which is a month before the pandemic
began. With stats like these, Get Good With Money couldn’t have
arrived at a better time.

JF — The ten steps to financial wholeness are budgeting, savings,
debt, credit, learning to earn. Then the next layers are investing,
insurance, net worth, your money team or financial professionals, and
estate planning. I thought no matter where you are in life, folks need
help getting to the next level. So I created financial wholeness and I
organized these steps to build upon each other. I thought if people
reached 100% financial wholeness which is just when these ten
components come together to create your most solid financial
foundation where you can build anything you want on that foundation.
You can reach any of your goals on that foundation.

JF — The Budgetnista apparently has a vision for the world but i
sensed special kinda love for Newark.

TA — Well I was born here in Saint Michaels Hospital. Then I was
raised partially in Roselle, NJ. And then I spent a lot of my
childhood in Westfield, NJ. Then as an adult, I came back here to
Newark. I started first by teaching. Taught here like I said for just
about 10 years and then I moved here. I think Newark is a diamond in
the rough. I think a lot of people have a lot to say about Newark but
let them cherry blossoms pop then all y’all in our park. Let the
museum have something and I can’t even get parking at the museum.
Bussing out to Weequahic. People have so much to say until they want
to use Newark for its resources. So I feel protective over Newark like
a big cousin.

JF — As the world reopens there will be an abundance of opportunities
for families to bounce back but it definitely starts at home. It
starts in the mind. Tiffany explains why it’s so important for our
community to absorb Get Good With Money.

TA — Going through it alone for example is like going through therapy.
You might be able to work through your childhood trauma on your own
but maybe that takes you 10 years and with therapy, it could have
taken you 10 months. Instead of trying to figure out things on your
own, that’s why guides like this are written. Someone told me this
ain’t no financial book Tiffany. This is like a memoir because I share
my story of how I messed all my finances up and how I fixed it. A
guide because it’s step by step this is how you achieve financial
wholeness and self-help because along the way I’m coaching you to
greatness. And so yea I think Get Good With Money at
getgoodwithmoney.com is the best present I can leave you with.

– I’m James Frazier, in Newark.

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The Most Bingeable Teen Dramas

Written by Samantha Stemmer

 

As summer of 2021 rolls around and more people get the COVID-19 vaccine, life might feel like it is beginning to go back to normal. And while returning to normal life is something we all dream of, having the excuse to binge TV shows all day was not so bad. So look no further because the perfect way to end a long summer day is to indulge in a “so bad it’s good” teen drama that feeds one’s soul and fulfills your guilty pleasures. 

 

The Classics:

(The O.C./ Fox)

 

When thinking of the best and most iconic teen dramas there are four classics that paved the way for the rest to follow. The classics focus mostly on the lives of average or wealthier teenagers in high school and the woes that come along with being a teen. The shows tend to go on to follow the stars in their college years and the love triangles that are almost always included. 

 

  1. The classics started with “Beverly Hills, 90210” which came out in 1990 and you can binge it for free on Pluto TV. 
  2. Then in 1998 “Dawson’s Creek” premiered which you can binge on Netflix and Hulu. 
  3. The last two, coming out around the same time in 2003, are “The O.C.” which is available to binge on HBO Max. 
  4. And lastly, “One Tree Hill,” which also came out in 2003, that can be found on Hulu. 

 

This archetype of soapy teen dramas inspired shows that modeled very closely to the classics and ones that took the idea but added sci-fi twists, teen pregnancies, or Manhattan’s elite.

 

The Wealthy:

(Mark Seliger/Vanity Fair)

 

If you are searching for a teen drama about wealthy kids living in cities there are two that you cannot go wrong with: 

 

  1. “90210” which came out in 2008, is a reboot on the classic “Beverly Hills, 90210” with an edgier and more luxurious spin. “90210” with five seasons is available to watch on Pluto TV.
  2. “Gossip Girl” came out just a year before, in 2007 and follows the lives of the richest teens living in The Upper East Side of Manhattan. The show ended in 2012, but a new reboot is in production with goals to air later this year. The original can be binged on HBO Max.

 

The Thrillers:


(Eric McCandless/Freeform)

Maybe you are searching for a teen binge that makes you keep an extra light on, or you are in need of a supernatural twist to the classics, there are another two that fit in this category:

 

  1. “Pretty Little Liars” premiered in 2010 and aired for seven seasons. The show follows the lives of four girls in high school whose best friend goes missing and a year later they are faced with a stalker who goes by the name of “A.” This show can be watched through HBO Max.
  2. “The Vampire Diaries” came out in 2009, and ended in 2017 after eight seasons, but has two spinoffs, “The Originals” and “Legacies.” The show follows the life of a high school girl who lost both of her parents in a car accident and falls in love with a vampire, which brings along all kinds of drama. You can binge this series on Netflix. 

 

Back to the Basics:

(Elisabeth Caren)

Inspired by the classics, these two teen dramas are much more relatable than the wealthy and the thrillers:

  1. “Awkward” debuted in 2011 and ran for five seasons. The show follows all the experiences of high school including sex, relationships, bullying, and parents which can be, well, awkward. This show can be found on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. 
  2. “On my Block,” being the most recent teen drama on the list, came out in 2018 and is currently working on the fourth and final season. The drama follows four lifelong friends as they navigate through high school and South-Central LA. Go ahead and binge this series on Netflix. 

 

With these 10 bingeable teen dramas you should have plenty of television to get through this summer. These shows will keep you pressing “yes, I am still watching,” and remembering all the ups and downs that come with being a teenager.

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What’s Up Next: Sports Cards

Written By: William Morales

 

If someone were to ask you “What’s up?”, your answer better be “Sports cards are up!” because they are BOOMING. Those baseball cards you begged your mom to buy you at the dollar store when you were seven years old might actually be enough to cover you for life. Let’s hope you can find that binder and blow the dust off them before it’s too late.

 

Since the start of the pandemic, trading cards have hit on all-time high in value and continue to grow each day. Gary Vaynerchuk, the entrepreneur and motivational speaker, predicted this entirely when in 2019 he said: “I’ve been talking about how sports cards are coming back in culture. I really believe that in certain categories, they’re going to explode in value in the next few years and could make a great alternative investment.” (Garyvaynerchuk.com)

 

In a very similar fashion to the stock market, sports cards (and Pokémon cards) have structured a market of their own, where cards are traded in a supply-and-demand system. Based on the stature and rarity of a specific card, it could sell for a nickel or two, or it could possibly sell for literal millions. Many aspects come into account when selling and opening cards: popularity, potential, manufacturing, and grading. Cards are being bought and sold to either collectors who love these players and want to complete sets, or to traders, who buy cards and are seeing it increase in value for years to come.

 

Two different types of cards are the most common to sell for big profits: Superstars and promising rookies. The first is more understandable to the public eye. Players like Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and others, will go for more money based on the rarity of the specific card. Base cards come in unlimited quantities, while numbered cards, varying from 1/500, 1/100, or even 1/1 (meaning how many cards were made), go for more depending on how many were released. The other attention-grabbing cards are the youngsters that are shaping into the next big superstars. In the NBA, freshmen and sophomores like Ja Morant, Lamelo Ball, and Zion Williamson are going for hundreds even with unlimited quality. If you are looking to purchase one of these with a signature or limited quantity, be prepared because you will most likely see 3 zeroes at the end of that number.

Many sellers are comparing the sports card market to the day-trading stock market due to the volatility of these cards. To put this into perspective, last week the most expensive card transfer of all-time happened. In one year’s, time, from March 2020 to March 2021, this card increased in value by nearly 100%. The card that broke the record sold for a whopping $2.25 million dollars. The unanimous G.O.A.T. of football and now the G.O.A.T. of sports cards, Tom Brady, was the card that was sold. The card sold in March, at the very beginning of the pandemic, sold for $1.32 million due to its 1/100 rarity, a 9/10 grading, the autograph, and the fact that it’s Tom Brady and it was from his rookie year. The identical card, although a different serial number, sold this march for double the value due to the longevity the card has been around and because of Tom Brady’s seventh ring. But this jump in price was amplified due to the volatile leap in trading card value.

 

Now, I will repeat myself. If you ever had sports cards as a kid, go find them and check to see if there is any value there. The Tom Brady card was printed in 2000, so it’s very possible it’s stashed away in some box in the attic. Even Pokémon cards have jumped in value; fan favorite first edition Charizard’s, printed in 1999, are selling for near $50,000 currently. The value is high right now but could hit rock bottom at any second. Take advantage of these times, when sports memorabilia is the heat of the market.

 

If you’re looking to start your sports cards journey check out the following links to buy and sell sports cards:

 

https://www.comc.com/

 

https://forums.collectors.com/categories/buy-sell-trade-sports

 

https://www.collectorscorner.com/

 

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Baking Beyond the Kitchen

Written by: Neha Seenarine

Trinity Andrew (@trinityskitchen) is a self-taught baker against social injustice.

Trinity Andrew was infatuated with baking and decided to teach herself by watching YouTube videos and, for her 26th birthday, she was gifted with cake decorating tools. However, throughout quarantine, her hobby that developed initially to pass the time evolved into an outlet to share her voice on political issues.

“During the first months of quarantine, I really just focused on average cake baking and decorating,” said Andrew. “But then, with the Black Lives Matter movement and the George Floyd protests, I felt that I wasn’t doing anything to help the elimination of white supremacy. In fact, my silence was violent and adding to the problem. I was infuriated as we all should be, and the first political bake was ‘Defund the Police.’ It then went from there to educating myself on political issues and being a part of a community ‘Bakers Against Racism.’ I still have a lot to learn.”

The Bakers Against Racism mission is to stand against racism in all shapes and forms. “We want to see an end to racism and the unjust treatment of Black people and People of Color in America and we believe that we can effect positive change through food for both our nation and across the world.”

Andrew has found baking to be an outlet to speak her truth while educating herself and others.

Andrew noted, “My work is almost a journal for myself with the issues and emotions I am currently learning and feeling. If my work can’t change anything then the least it can do is raise awareness. We’re all unlearning the false narrative that white supremacy was taught to us. I want my work to express the desire for change and the need to fight for justice. “

 

She participates in food justice with My Nanay’s Kitchen (@mynanayskitchen), which is “a place to cook, to serve and to eat.” Andrew bakes goods to stock up community fridges.

The status of her Instagram account is not the goal for Andrew, she is more concerned about her work being censored.  “It’s funny because I hate celebrity culture and find status or numbers incredibly toxic,” said Andrew. “I wish we didn’t count followers or likes or growth and just stayed comfortable with being ourselves without any desire to get more notice or reach an idea of fame. I am often guilty of wanting my numbers to reach higher, but authenticity is everything to me. I just want to see my account not be deleted at this point (I get reported a lot). It’s a price I’m willing to pay if it means being true to myself.”

For the past month her kitchen has been in an RV because she prioritizes working while traveling.

“Our goal is to hit up every national park we can starting with the East Coast,” said Andrew. “I currently work full time working remotely editing photos and doing copy for a company. When I’m not working then I get to bake and stock up fridges and do food justice on behalf of My Nanay’s Kitchen.”

Andrew has run into issues being on the road however, she is determined to keep baking for the greater good.

“It’s not as easy being on the road as it is when we were living in LA in terms of baking,” said Andrew “mainly because I used to do bakes that 100% of profits can go towards Black Lives Matter, Land Back, Trans Rights or Stop Asian Hate movements. Being on the road, we don’t really have a single location for pickups and not knowing anyone can be a problem too, but we will find a way to make it work.”

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YouTube’s Golden Boy

Written By: Samantha Stemmer

(@daviddobrik/Instagram)

 

During March 2021, YouTube sensation, David Dobrik, faced a whirlwind of controversies and, as many would say, the young star was “cancelled.” Dobrik, 24-years-old, originally from Slovakia, moved to Illinois when he was 6 years old. Dobrik started his YouTube channel in 2015 and found success filming short four-minute-20-second vlog style videos that garnered 18.5 million subscribers on his main channel “The Vlog Squad,” Dobrik’s friend group. The star had gone on to partner with Chipotle, SeatGeek, Doordash, and many other brands, released his own perfume line, recorded podcast “VIEWS,” and was working towards creating a social media platform, “Dispo.”

 

Dobrik was at the peak of his career when he purchased a $9.5 million house but success was put on hold in March 2021.  Allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, bullying and rape surfaced against Dobrik and “The Vlog Squad.” The allegations began when David Dobrik was regarded as the enabler in sexual misconduct and bullying against former vlog squad member, Seth Francois. Francois thought he would be making out with a woman, but was tricked into kissing Jason Nash, the 47-year-old comedian attached to the group, without Francois’ consent. The allegations then hit a high point when journalist Kat Tenbarge wrote an Insider article that told the following story “A woman featured on YouTube star David Dobrik’s channel says she was raped by a Vlog Squad member in 2018 the night they filmed a video about group sex.”

(Leon Bublitz/Unsplah)

Following the rape allegations against Dominykas Zeglaitis, also known as “Durte Dom,” by “The Vlog Squad,” Dobrik released a two-minute-and-31-second apology video on his podcast YouTube channel “VIEWS” titled “Let’s Talk.” The star disabled all comments on the video and many regarded the “apology” in the video to be insincere and did not fare well. According to Social Blade, a website used to track social media statistics, Dobrik lost 100,000 subscribers, and many brands including, SeatGeek, Chipotle, Doordash, HelloFresh, EA, Dollar Shave Club, General Mills, Bumble, HBO Max, and others announced that they no longer intend to work with the young YouTuber. On March 23, a second apology video titled “3/22/21” that was seven-minutes-and-17-seconds was posted on his primary YouTube channel with the comments enabled. The video features Dobrik emotionally saying “I am so sorry,” that he “fully believes the woman who came out against Dom,” and he will be stepping away from YouTube and social media until he can better regulate his brand and company.

 

Moving forward, Dobrik’s career has been put on pause as YouTube announced that they will temporarily be demonetizing Dobrik, and his biggest partners cut ties with him. Dobrik stepped down from the board of “Dispo,”  an app and social media platform that he co-founded, that was backed by venture capital firm Spark Capital, who also decided to not move forward with the project. My question now remains, what happens next? Dobrik has had six years of success on social media and was deemed “Gen Z’s Jimmy Fallon” by The Wall Street Journal, will the internet move on and forgive the young sensation, or will he actually be held accountable?

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School in the Future

Written and transcribed by Jimmysodope

Imagine waking up early on a Monday morning and somehow you’re 7 years old. You brush you teeth, put on your favorite shirt, then you log onto to your 1st class of the day. Still sleepy. Some how your teacher managed to get you excited about, math? Both hands raised, she calls you solve a problem no-one else could figure out. As you open your mouth to give your answer, which is 100% correct by the way, and your WiFi fails. This is the reality of children everywhere experiencing school in the future. I asked 3rd grader Zamir Frazier what’s the biggest difference in his school experience…

Zamir Frazier – Well for instance we’re all on computers. Also now we need internet just to talk. Sometimes it’s bad, sometimes it’s good.

JSD – Although remote learning is impossible without WiFi, parents have more things to keep in mind for their scholars to be prosperous. Janel Rochez, the mother of a 1st grader shared her concerns

Janel Rochez – Remaining consistent, making sure the work gets done. It’s so easy to fall to behind. It’s not intentional but it can happen very easily. Making sure the space is quiet. Making sure the WiFi doesn’t go out. Making sure she remains engaged. You know she’s still a little kid and we’re asking them to do things we’ve never asked children to do before.

JSD – The school building, a once taken for granted resource is now missed by students teachers and parents alike. Director Tyree Barnes of Great Oaks Legacy Charter school gives insight to his observations.

Tyree Barnes – Some students have really struggled through the remote learning. Some students have also excelled in terms of having less distractions. It’s just me, my auntie, my grandma, my mom, or my dad or whomever. We’re just sitting at here at home in front of the computer and I’ve seen an increase in academic performance.

JSD – Evidence shows that peer learning creates greater confidence and independence in learning, deeper understanding and improved grades for both peer` leaders and theirs students.

Tyree Barnes – Social interaction is a key element of the learning. Right. Children learn best from other child. With that being kinda diminished at this time during the pandemic. That makes education a little more challenging.

JSD – School in the future has its obstacles but Director Barnes is confident that dedicated educators with a compassionate and optimistic approach can make a world of a difference.

Tyree Barnes – I know sometimes from the outside lookin in it seems like math and books and reading, yes those things are important but at the core of the work that we do, we build relationships. I think its largely been dependent on the facilitators energy. But to get our teachers and adults in the energy of being engaging and creative and fun loving and high spirited despite all the challenges that are happening. That is trickled down to, or impacting the scholar.

JSD – The team at Great Oaks Charter School is innovating the way educators interact with scholars to ensure togetherness in these times of physical separation.

Tyree Barnes – You know one of the things I’m really proud of my staff is that we’ve created spaces where students can kind of disengage from the academic so to speak. And just have community time with each other. Whether we’re watching cartoons and having breakfast together or having a discussion that’s less focused on the curriculum we need to get through for the year. But to build community with each other.

JSD – I got update from our 3rd grader Zamir and he ensured me that his wife is intact and game his predictions of what school will look like in the future…

Zamir Frazier – School would be space camp. And we would get to do things like be in zero gravity.

JSD – Students learning in space camp may be up for debate, but with dedicated instructors on the front lines, school in the future has well, a bright future. No matter how committed the educational system is to innovation, parents still should be as active as possible to give their child the maximum potential to succeed. For a list of resources such as tips to create a work f low for your scholar and free or low-cost wifi, visit www.projectreadynj.com

Hear the article via WBGO here! https://www.wbgo.org/show/wbgo-journal/2021-03-06/challenging-times-for-online-learning-in-newark

 

 

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Women’s March Madness is Truly Mad

Written By: William Morales

Each year millions of basketball fans lust for March and the beauty it holds; and no, I’m not talking about Spring. The month that begins with 15 million brackets being created, and ends with the nets being cut down is debatably the most popular sports time of the year. March Madness is here in full swing, underdogs are continuing to upset the big boys, and Gonzaga is still undefeated. But what about the women’s tournament? What is happening over there? Of course, their games are running smoothly, but the NCAA has really caused a ruckus with the off-court facilities and amenities the women have been granted.

 

Take a look at the difference in these gyms. The top picture shows the gym the men use, while the bottom image is the equipment the women players were given. Besides the fact that this is almost laughable, it’s embarrassing to the NCAA and has since been a top trending topic on social media. Lynn Holzman, the NCAA vice president, said that this was due to “limited space inside a controlled environment.” (GlobalNews) If this was the case, why wouldn’t they create the space, rather than give different standard areas?

 

When this picture was posted, the internet took immediate notice, and millions of people were giving their opinions. Many WNBA and NCAA players shared their two cents as well. Sabrina Ionescu, the 2020 National Player of the Year, tweeted: “…Thought this was a joke. WTF is this?!?” (CBS) Both Will Abrams, Director of Player Development at Rutgers University, and Kendric Lindsey, a USC digital creator, were at the facilities and took videos of empty rooms in the complex and questioned the “limited space”.

 

Fortunately, after a week of internet mayhem, the NCAA restructured the gyms to give both the men and women an equal playing field. However, the NCAA then got beheaded again for what they called “swag bags”. The swag bags were simply huge goodie bags and baskets given to each player, except one tournament was gifted much more than the other. Surely, after the first gym incident, you could figure out which group got which merchandise. The difference is more than noticeable and Holzman did have her reasons: “The weather is different in San Antonio than it is in Indianapolis.” (CBS) Although the statement is true, it doesn’t account for why none of the women’s tournament merchandise was labeled with “March Madness” or “The Big Dance”.

 

To date, the NCAA hasn’t stated a plan of action to fix this issue. But it is making players and fans happy that the association did take action by the public’s insistence through social media. From an outside perspective, it is still nerve racking that the NCAA had plans as such from the start and it took thousands of complaints to make a change. Social media has played a huge part in overcoming obstacles and has truly helped in a situation like this. It’s important to remember that even if it isn’t affecting your life, you could always take part in pushing for change.