Should Children Be Required to Play an Instrument

Article Editor on October 9, 2020

Many question the ability of children in school. Yes, they are young and delicate minds, but that’s exactly the point. Ken Kurson believes that children’s minds are like sponges. That is why they can learn multiple languages at such a young age. Everything adults and peers say to them is calculated and taken into account. That is exactly why children should learn to play instruments. 

By doing so, there could be so much more potential for the next generation, Learning an instrument, no matter how complex, is very beneficial to the child. They have to take responsibility at a young age and open their minds to a new type of learning. For many, there are worries about affordability. Music classes are expensive, let alone purchasing an instrument. That is why this might never actually be put into play. However, if schools would require such an act then there is potential for the government to fund musical arts. Ken Kurson renounces his children to learn instruments. 

How to Support Wildfire Rescues

Article Editor on October 8, 2020

There are many organizations that strive to keep Americans safe during the wildfires. Organizations like GuideStar and Charity Navigator are tirelessly working to support the victims of wildfires. The Red Cross also provides shelter and food to those who lost their homes. Imagine losing every picture, tape, family artifact, and value in an instant. These wildfires are no joke and many people are suffering because of them. There are people like Alexander Djerassi who have never experienced the smoke that wildfires spread throughout the state.

It has been a fearful experience for everyone, even those who didn’t lose their homes and valuables. Many elderly folks are frightened about not getting out on time if this tragedy were ever to occur again. So, if it is possible, please donate to ensure the safety of others. Hydration backpacks are very expensive and take a lot of funding. By raising funds to purchase them for others, it can save lives. Babies and infants also need fire protection gear. Obviously, they can’t fend for themselves which is why parents need as much assistance as possible in protecting their young. By volunteering to pack non-perishables and safety supplies for families, many people will have a greater chance of surviving. Alexander Djerassi encourages people to donate if they can.

Mom Tips: Buy Plane Tickets Now

Article Editor on September 22, 2020

Thanks to the horrific pandemic, airfare has never been cheaper. As a consequence of the lack of travel, especially in the United States, flight companies are reducing how much they charge per trip. Rachel Harow, a mom of four, is thrilled that these rates have been reduced but still isn’t keen on traveling anywhere. 

Many people use sites like Kayak or Expedia for their travel research. As locations and destinations open up again, families should start looking into purchasing tickets now. If one has a large family, that means large bills. Booking round trip tickets for six people under three hundred dollars is unheard of predicament. Thus, moms should be purchasing tickets for future trips now more than ever. This could save thousands of dollars in the long run and ensure that spots are available for family members. Although the world may seem very different from what it used to be, countries have fully recovered from coronavirus and can travel willingly. Rachel Harow believes that unless there are no cases recorded, families should remain safe and at home. However, it never hurts to plan and have a hopeful future.

Why Be Sustainable

Article Editor on September 20, 2020

There are currently millions of reasons why individuals should be sustainable. With climate change being a serious issue, we must do everything we can to support the planet, not destroy it. Fashion icons such as Helen Schifter use sustainable fashion and products to help lessen her carbon footprint. Ice is seriously melting and if the world gets any hotter, we will all eventually be underwater. 

Investing in sustainable fashion, products, cleaning items, and other things that can be reused is critical. The earth is predicted to be one-point-five degrees Celsius warmer in the next twenty years. The next generation of people will have a much harder life and a much harder time fixing the problem if something isn’t immediately done.Sustainability isn’t as hard as it looks. By going green billions of carbon footprints can be erased and the next generations would have a much healthier future. Being kind to the planet is no joke. Companies are doing their best to produce clean products and use the least amount of fossil fuels as possible. That being said, everyone has to collaborate in order to make a substantial difference in the earth’s climate. Like Helen Schifter, starting by changing daily tasks and making them sustainable is step one to living a greener future.


Infographic Provided by Rock Solid Stabilization & Reclamation, Inc.

The Impact Traditions Can Have

Article Editor on September 18, 2020

The history of the human species makes it very easy to see that traditions are very culturally appropriated and continue through generations. Traditions can vary between food preparations, prayers, clothing, and even dances. The many beautiful ways different cultures build traditions is why Shalom Lamm, a historian, enjoys reading about them.

We all have our own family traditions that impact us in one way or another. Changing locations for a Thanksgiving Dinner is untraditional to some and can lead to debacles between family members. By someone breaking a marriage tradition, family’s could be torn apart or even separated. There are so many impacts traditions have on our day to day lives.Most traditions affect us in positive ways. Celebrating holidays like Hanukkah or Christmas give families so much joy. Traditions give us opportunities to grow family relations and even create new ones. By transitioning and teaching younger member about different practices, they will continue developing traditions as they grows older. Shalom Lamm highly recommends that following traditions rooted deep in one’s own personal heritage. So much can be uncovered by doing research into traditional practices.

Is Peer Review Overrated

Article Editor on September 18, 2020

Many think that peer-reviewing literature is overrated because it’s time-consuming. In fact, those who don’t approve of peer pressure are usually the ones who don’t take criticism well. Editors such as Ken Kurson urge students and writers to peer edit their work. Gaining insights from other points of view can be very beneficial to someone’s work.

Some ways to gain momentum on peer review is by doing writing in parts. When doing so, it allows those editing enough time to look over the work and comment on it. No peer reviewer should never directly make edits without permission. This can be very disruptive to the flow of writing. In major journalism companies and news outlets, peer revision is a necessary step in order to be published. Peer reviewing will never be overrated or unneeded. It’s extremely beneficial to both parties involved. Learning how to edit a paper will only enhance abilities to catch personal mistakes down the road. It’s also a great way to collaborate on ideas that can push both writers to be better and more significant. Ken Kurson says it takes time to develop a peer revision routine, but in the end, it’s all worth it.

Why Children Should Have Diaries

Article Editor on September 18, 2020

Self-expression is something that all people have to go through. By developing a sense of establishment for oneself and other children can grow into more distinguished people. Writing is a great way to express oneself . Children should utilize their writing skills to create diaries or stories that help them conquer certain emotions. Ken Kurson, a dad and journalist, encourages his children to express themselves through literature.

Diaries are very personal and shouldn’t be read by parents. However, if a child is in therapy, sometimes the diaries help gage a better perception of where the child’s head is at. Children are ultra-sensitive and produce content straight from the heart. By doing this they can reveal struggles they’ve been through and how they overcome it. Everyone seems to forget that adults were children once too. Some of the most famous writers have developed extremely throughout stories about childhood traumas and other events that they consider life-changing. By starting at a young age, children can develop techniques and parts of literature that some adults don’t even access. Ken Kurson loves introducing his kids to the Magnificent world of writing and reading, and you should too!

Differences in Voting

Article Editor on September 17, 2020

2020 is definitely a wild year. So much has happened in the United States, it’s flabbergasting. Voting is no outlier when it comes to drastic changes. As of now, this year, the election will be very, very different. With the polls closing due to the pandemic, mailing votes will have to suffice. It’s important to adapt to the current climate of the world, according to Ken Kurson.

As we discover new ways to protect ourselves from the virus, we must still remember that the political world is also in need of our support. It doesn’t matter who you choose, it matters that you do. Voting is an instilled right given to us so that the true leader of this country can be found. We must unite as a nation and mail our vote in. Another difference in voting is that it will be harder to leave to the last minute. Just because the voting day is the same as always, does not mean that mailing can be saved until that day. Mail-in ballots have to be sent a few days so that the vote can be verified and valid. Sending it on the actual election day is equivalent to throwing your vote into the garbage. It’s important to stay on track and use your right as a citizen to share your political opinion. Ken Kurson suggests that registering to vote now is an easy way to remember to do it. The sooner, the better.

Commendable Acts Earn Good Karma

Article Editor on September 16, 2020

It doesn’t cost anything to be a good person. Showing kindness in any way that we can is a commendable act. Yes, it’s obvious that hardships come in all shapes and sizes but it’s important to stay above the negativity in any way possible. Shalom Lamm enjoys being a kind person and does this by giving back to his community. It’s hard to find people who have the truest intentions nowadays. 

In order to have good things happen to you, one must put positivity out into the universe. If someone purposely hurts the feelings of a friend, something worse might happen in return. Almost like a boomerang. Although the result of a bad deed might not occur for even years, it’s still out in the universe. Being a benefactor for nonprofits is a great way to help boost one’s morality. Or, by doing acts of kindness that require extra care or attention. Having the right motives and intentions is the only critical part of being a better person.Reflecting on past mistakes can make individuals melancholy, but it’s important in the development process. By gaining a sense of responsibility for past actions and an understanding point of view on how those actions affected others, can help develop a kinder heart. Doing actions that better oneself will ultimately lead to the betterment of others. With situations like these, a domino effect is very popular and leads to a brighter future for many. Although it’s not always easy, Shalom Lamm recommends that anyone willing to even try participating in kinder acts is on the right track.

Chicago V. New York City

Article Editor on September 16, 2020

Chicago has an infinite number of fun activities to do and so many natives that grew up and changed the world. Some include Kanye West, Jennifer Hudson, Michelle Obama, Ken Kurson, and Hillary Clinton. So many political figures and talented musicians grew up on the beauties the windy city had to offer. Having the midwestern charm is something New Yorkers could never do. Rather than giving a cold shoulder, natives of Chicago are just more willing to strike up a conversation and smile. 

New York City is the most popular city in the world. That being said, their food there is undeniably rich with flavor and history. It’s also crazy expensive. Compared to Chicago, New York City is luxurious. Something many misinterpret is how hard it is to be a homeowner in New York. Renting usually ends up costing more money than home-owning, to begin with, and for a fraction of the space.  New York City tends to be slightly more filthy then Chicago. There is always trash piled up on the sidewalks and there is definitely a certain smell the streets poses. However, both cities have lots of pride. Usually, whoever lives in either city loves it, and calls it their home. Ken Kurson has had the opportunity to see what living in both cities was like first hand and he will always choose Chicago over New York. Home is home for people. There are so many memories associated with our upbringing which is why it’s hard to decide which city is better in a non-biased fashion.