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Wildfires and Smoke

Written by: Rashawn Khamari Merchant

On Wednesday, June 7th, Canadian wildfire smoke led the Eastern United States to experience some of the worst air quality in the world. Millions of Americans received warning alerts as air quality reached hazardous levels unseen in decades. In New York City, the levels of small particles in the air were their highest since 1999. The previous Tuesday resulted in the second highest.

These air particles are dangerous because they are small enough to enter deep into the lungs and eventually into the bloodstream. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor are a few molecules that can present a danger when inhaled. Chronic exposure can affect the lungs, kidneys, liver, brain, and heart. Those who are elderly, pregnant, and asthmatic are sensitive to wildfires due to underlying conditions. 

During the week, it was common to see people wearing masks again. The Environmental Protection Agency suggested wearing N95 masks to help because they block out small particles. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that 1 million masks would be available to those in need for the polluted days. It was important that the governor also made it a point to recognize that these fires are an issue of climate change.

She said, “While continuing our fight against climate change, we need to recognize this is a new reality we must be prepared for.”

It is a new reality indeed. The “Pyrocene,” as Stephen Pyne, emeritus professor at Arizona State University, has coined it, refers to a new era of human-caused fire conditions worldwide. For many on the East Coast, this was a wake-up call specifically to the damage wildfires can cause and have on people living in densely populated areas. While wildfires have continuously occurred throughout Earth’s history, rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and drought from increased greenhouse gas emissions have led to this decadal increase in burnings. It is the “fire equivalent of the ice age,” Pyne said.

In 2020, 10.2 million acres of the west coast burned. Rising temperatures do not initiate fires; dry grounds create the conditions for their intensity. Less water leads to dead trees and dry bushes.

A study posted in the American Geophysical Union suggested fires in British Columbia, Canada burned 7 to 11 times more with human interference as opposed to without. To combat these fires, we must work hard to mitigate the causes through lowered gas emissions and improved forest management.

In the meantime, the CDC recommends staying inside and wearing a mask during hazardous air quality and utilizing air purifiers when indoors. It is important not to add to particulate matter by refraining from cooking with gas, smoking, or even vacuuming.

Father’s Day in Qatar

Video by: Daevon Gathers—Chillin’ With Gathers

New York City Summer Activities

Written by: Chloe Yuqing Wang

A Summer in NYC

The temperature in Manhattan, New York reached 90°F (32°C) at the beginning of June. Even though summers are getting hotter, New York still offers many creative ways to enjoy it. With the scorching heat ahead, I’d like to share a list of fun activities around the city with you. From electrifying events that fill your calendar each week to hidden gems, the city will ignite your passion for adventure this summer.

Let’s start with free events happening around the city this summer!

1.Kayaking on the Hudson River

New York City now has a free kayaking program, open to the public, at Pier 26, from May to October on weekends and holidays. No reservation is needed. Simply arrive at the designated spot at the right time. The program provides all the equipment you will need for kayaking.

Link to learn more about the program: https://www.downtownboathouse.org/

2.Outdoor Movie Nights

New York City is offering free outdoor movies around the five boroughs this summer. Indulge in the summer nights with “Movies Under the Stars”. This is a great way to have an affordable and delightful evening outing with your partner or friends and enjoy a breezy night with the big screen under the stars. 

To check the map for summer movies and locations, use this link: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/free_summer_movies

3.Bryant Park Picnic Performances

Bryant Park is offering free summer festivals this summer. A variety of events will be held every week. Pack your favorite snacks, find your spot, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring performances. If you can’t be there in person, Bryant Park also offers live streams of their performances and has recordings of their past performances. 

Learn more about it here:  https://bryantpark.org/activities/picnic-performances 

4.Lincoln Center Summer for the City 

Like many venues in New York, Lincoln Center offers unforgettable art festivals throughout the summer from June to August. There are events for everyone, from skilled opera performances to fun dance lessons. Make sure to check out the magical giant disco ball as well. 

To check out the events: https://www.lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city 

If you are willing to pay some money:

1.Bouldering (and more) at VITAL

You may never know if you will like rock climbing before you try it. It is a great way to exercise your body and brain while enjoying the thrills of jumping from a high spot without getting hurt.

The climbing gym VITAL has three locations around New York City and their location in Brooklyn is a unique spot. There is an outdoor rooftop bouldering space with an on-site coffee shop, a fire pit, and a sauna. What’s more, the gym is huge, including (I think) hundreds of different bouldering lines to try and a huge workout area, yoga, and cycling space. The gym also offers bouldering, aerial silk, and yoga classes. On top of all their offerings, the gym is open 24/7.

A day pass is $35 for the Brooklyn location.

Here is a link to their webpage if you want to learn more about them: https://www.vitalclimbinggym.com/brooklyn

2.Surfing at American Dream

Indoor surfing can help you escape the heat and develop a new interest. American Dream is a shopping complex in New Jersey. There is an indoor water park for children, and for adults, it transforms into a wave pool for surfing every night. 

Prices range from $99(weekdays) to $125 (weekends) for 2-hour sessions.

To learn more about this venue: https://www.americandream.com/venue/skudin-surf#

3.Big Snow American Dream

To make your summer even ‘cooler,’ try indoor skiing at Big Snow, also in American Dream. It is the only indoor-skiing venue in North America. 

A single-day SNOW day package is $89.99.

Check out their website for more information: https://www.bigsnowamericandream.com/

4.Richard Gilder Center

The Museum of Natural History recently opened a new annex building with an entrance on Columbus Ave: The Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. The facility hosts exciting exhibits, including gems worldwide, with a brilliant “Star of India,” a butterfly vivarium, an immersive experience, and more. Although the exhibitions are year-round, having seen the exhibits myself, I recommend anyone to go there at least once this summer to enjoy the incredible architecture of the building and the fantastic displays.

To reserve tickets: https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/gilder-center

State Farm Stops Accepting Homeowner Insurance

Written by: Rashawn Khamari Merchant

Citing the growing risk of wildfires, State Farm has stopped accepting new policies for homeowners’s insurance. 

In a statement released by the company, “State Farm General Insurance Company made this decision due to historic increases in construction costs outpacing inflation, rapidly growing catastrophe exposure, and a challenging reinsurance market.”

The company cites avoiding the rising rebuilding costs as necessary to improve its financial strength. 

Limiting insurance is an unprecedented move. 

State Farm was the leading company offering insurance to homes in California, where property ownership is one of the most lucrative industries. 

The new update applies to personal and business properties; however, they will continue to serve existing policy plans. State Farm has also said personal auto will still be covered. 

One of the consequences of climate change is companies weighing insurance risks. High flood and tornado zones may soon face similar results. Many insurance companies are in a tight bond as disasters destroy and displace hundreds of thousands of people each year. 

Opposition to insurance change is that coverage options should be a need, but as most insurers are private, the government may have to step in. 

California has some of the most expensive housing costs, so expect this story to continue.

Product of the Month Eighty7Sweets

Written by: Alejandro Pineda Catalan

Summer is approaching, and what better way to cool off than with delicious ice cream? At Eighty7Sweets, you can experience a dairy free and 100% vegan treat influenced by Atlanta.

Eighty7Sweets is an Atlanta-based vegan ice cream company that creates flavors representing the community around it. Located in the Fairlie-Poplar district on 56 NW broad street, it is encompassed by many other local restaurants, pop-up shops and eye-catching architectural buildings, as well as street art.

Eighty7Sweets is currently only established at this Atlanta location. Nonetheless, there is more to come as they network and branch out to surrounding areas. They also have a mobile cart that passes through the city and brings that nostalgic feeling of when one was a kid and heard the ice cream man rolling his cart down the street.

Their current location has been open for approximately two years, and they have grown a clientele of loyal customers and, like myself, new customers who are interested to see how vegan-based products have surpassed normal customs. They’ve seen exponential growth within their company and the community. As you look at broad street, you will find neighboring vegan shops soon to open, and those who are already open have a community where they can thrive.

Getting into the taste, the flavors are all unique and made from coconut milk, but if you are looking for another dessert, they also serve milkshakes where you can choose from almond, oak, and coconut milk for the base. The flavors come in bowls that are 100% compostable along with the spoons, or you can try their famous cookie/waffle bowls or even their homemade waffle cones that come in various flavors.

I had the opportunity to try flavors such as Caramel Cobb, Vanilla Vinings, Buckhead Mocha, Spelman Strawberry and Mango, and their mystery flavor, West End Wakanda. They also carry numerous toppings that complement the ice cream very well. Overall, the quality of the ice cream was second to none, and the texture was smooth, with a vibrant taste but not overpowering sweetness. I am indeed a fan.

When asked how Atlanta became home for Eigthy7Sweets, Manager Michael and employee KP stated, “Atlanta chose us.” Atlanta, to them, is a place that never stops growing and creates communities with solid values and bonds that empower one another. “Atlanta has one of the most beautiful supporting communities in the southeast region, and being next to the Healey building, it almost seemed meant to be” (Michael Jackson Manager at Eighty7Sweets).

Goals for Eigthy7Sweets are ever-changing and hold their customers’ opinions close to home. They listen to what customers have to say and make changes based on what their customers are looking for. In other words, they listen to their community and believe philosophy is all power to the people. For those hesitant to try a vegan product, KP and Michael said, “Trust the quality and trust your taste buds.”  

Veganism is helping the environment remarkably, saving animals, and making the world greener by emitting less carbon dioxide. Whichever angle you look at it, benefits are being made by simply choosing to eat healthier and taking some time to consider where your food comes from. I couldn’t thank the crew at Eighty7Sweets enough for their hospitality and great conversations. I’ll remember this experience forever, and I hope that if you’re ever in Atlanta, stop by and visit them: excellent ice cream and even better people at Eighty7Sweets.

Thanks for reading!

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