THE INSIDER 2019/2020
Credits Published by: Gimnazija Ravne na Koroškem Na gradu 4 2390 Ravne na Koroškem Writers: Proofread: Jaša Knez, 1 c Milena Rečnik, prof. Kaja Vreš, 1 c Ema Haber, 2 a Graphic design: Nuša Kvasnik, 2 a Barbara Pori, 2 a Nuša Kvasnik, 2 a Tim Zagorščak, 2 a Tim Zagorščak, 2 a Maša Grubelnik, 2 c Klara Kac, 2 c Photographs: Špela Klančnik, 2 c Nika Logar, 2 c Jana Komprej, 3 a Mojca Mager, 2 c Jan Potočnik, 2 c Ema Šuler, 2 c Gaja Tušek, 2 c Anita Nabernik, 2 f Naja Jelenko, 3 a Vita Šmon, 4 b Editor: Naja Jelenko, 3 a Mentor: Milena Rečnik, prof.
Table of contents Introduction Education I. What I did during quarantine II. Black Lives Matter III. Interview with Jakob Ambrož Blatnik IV. Interview with Eva Hanžekovič World water day II. World water day II. Blue planet III. Love water IV. The source of life V. Water VI. Dear water VII. Newspaper Life VIII. Comics Science I. What can AI draw? II. Black holes III. Homemade agar Sport I. Kobe Bryant II. Two hidden superstars III. Summer body workout Poetry Entertainment I. Let’s not wipe out the human race II. Murder in room 202 III. Best friends quiz IV. Ireland
Introduction We can probably all agree that 2020 has been a crazy year so far. From fires in Australia, one of the biggest NBA star dying in a helicopter crash to fights between America and Iran… But the one thing that affected the whole world (and is still affecting some nations) is the virus COVID-19. In March WHO declared a global pandemic and life as we had known it changed completely. But no matter what our team still worked hard and here it is. A new and better issue of The Insider. The newspaper is a product of students mostly from second and third grades. We put a lot of effort and time in it (coming up with new ideas, writing articles and editing it) so we would love to receive any feedback from you guys (critics, suggestions etc.). We tried to make it as fun and as educational as possible. In it you'll find anything from science themes, explanation of COVID-19 and what we did during quarantine, what is happening in America, what monuments and sights students visited on their trip to Ireland, to sports themes and literature. Again, we are sure that you will find something for you in it and we hope you learn something new. Our team with our mentor Milena Rečnik, had a lot of fun creating The Insider and we hope that you will enjoy reading it twice as much. Naja Jelenko, 3 a 3
Jana Komprej, 3 a
EDUCATION Jana Komprej, 3 a
What I did during quarantine On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) China office heard the first reports of a previously-unknown virus behind a number of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, a city in Eastern China with a population of over 11 million. What started as an epidemic mainly limited to China has now become a truly global pandemic. There have now been over 6,000,000 confirmed cases and 350,000 deaths. On March 12, 2020 an epidemic was declared in Slovenia; the government announced that all educational institutions would be closed from 16 March onwards and medical personnel were prohibited from taking holidays. From that day on most of our lives changed completely. During the quarantine it was also prohibited to hang out with other people (people that aren't related to you) and at some point the government prohibited leaving the city that you live in. My life changed a lot. It went from seeing my friends almost every day, to not seeing them at all. I went out once or twice a day to go for a walk with my dog, other- wise I stayed at home. spent a lot of time with my family and we bonded a lot during this time. Both of my parents stayed at home, so we had a lot of time to do different activities together. We watched mo- vies, TV shows, we played board games, we went hiking etc. This was also a great time to catch up on all my school work. After a week or so of being home, we started with online classes. Even though 6
it was hard from the start, I quickly adapted to the new system. But most importantly I had time to focus on myself. I did all of the things that I like doing, but didn't find time to do before. I started reading more, I redecorated my room, I organised all of my stuff, I dyed my hair etc. But I really missed my friends and hanging out with them. Luckily we were in contact every day through social media. A global pandemic is one of the worst things that I experienced in my life, but at the same time my life stopped for a bit and I figured that it was very much needed. But those were two of the most stressful months of my life (doing all of the school work, worrying about my older family members and myself). Naja Jelenko, 3 a 7
Black lives matter On 25th of May 2020 a sad and disturbing video went viral. In this video a police officer was kneeling on black man's neck while he was screaming that he couldn’t breathe. Because of this he sadly passed away. His name was George Floyd. You may ask yourself why this police officer did what he had done. It was because George used a fake 20$ bill in a store. In my opinion he didn't deserve this. He was a victim of racism like many others have been before him. This incident blew up and people in America started protesting (some of them even rioting) against racism. The movement is called Black Lives Matter movement. And it's time we started talking about it. Racism. White privilege. Equality. And justice. What is Black Lives Matter movement? Black Lives Matter (BLM) is an international human rights movement, originating in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people. It regularly holds protests speaking out against police killings of black people. Source: https://www.kepplerspeakers.com/black%20lives%20matter-.jpg 8
The victims In the past there were many victims died because of police brutality. Some of them are: ERIC GARNER On July 17th 2014, he died in the New York City borough of Staten Island after Daniel Pantaleo a NYPD officer, put him in a chokehold while arresting him. Garner repeated the words »I can't breathe« 11 times while lying face down on the sidewalk. Charges against the police were dropped and he was fired 5 years after the murder happened. KENDREC MCDADE On the night of 24 March 2012, McDade was shot dead in Pasadena Street in California by two police officers. He was 19, unarmed and had no criminal record. Shortly before 11pm, a caller reported the theft of a backpack and laptop to the emergency services, falsely claiming to have been held up at gunpoint (the caller later admitted he had lied about the firearm in order to get the police to respond more quickly). McDade was on Orange Grove Boulevard at around the same time as the theft occurred. The juvenile who stole the laptop was known to him. When Pasadena police officers Matthew Griffin and Jeffrey Newlen saw McDade, they believed they had one of the suspects and gave chase. McDade ran away. The officers pursued McDade through the streets in their patrol car. Inexplicably, the police officers did not switch on their emergency lights or their siren – a decision that, according to the independent review, “has significant implications because, in Pasadena police vehicles, activating lights and siren automatically activates the in-car video camera”. As a result, there is no video footage of what happened. The officers didn't call for help or turn on the speaker speak to him. SEAN BELL He was shot in New York City, in the borough of Queens on November 25, 2006. Three men were shot when a total of 50 rounds were fired by New York City police (NYPD) in both plainclothes and undercover. Bell was killed on the morning before his wedding, and two of his friends, Trent Benefield and Joseph Guzman, were severely wounded. 9
BREONNA TAYLOR On March 13, 2020, she was fatally shot by Lousville Metro Police Department officers in her sleep. Sergeant Jonathan Mattingly, Detective Brett Hankison, and Detective Myles Cosgrove entered her apartment in plainclothes in Louisville, Kentucky, while serving a \"no-knock warrant\". Taylor was shot 8 times. No drugs were found in her apartment (The LMPD investigation centred on two people who were already in police custody and suspected of selling controlled substances from a drug house more than 10 miles (16 km) away.). Other victims (search their stories on the internet): Amadou Diallo (22) – police fired 41 bullets at him after mistaking him for a serial rapist John Crawford III (22) – shot in Walmart for shopping for a fake gun Michael Brown (18) – shot in the head twice, confronted for walking in the middle of the street, and many more… Why shouldn't we use the phrase all lives matter? Simply because all lives can't matter until black lives do. For example, let's say a house is burning and you run there to help. Your neighbour stops you and asks you: »What about my house?«. You see the neighbour’s house isn't burning, but that doesn't mean it doesn't matter. It simply means that the burning house needs attention and people helping the people inside it, otherwise innocent lives will be taken from us. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1682523 10
How can I help? You can help by signing petitions (search black lives matter petitions), you can donate (if you can't donate money, search Zoe Amira on YouTube – she has an hour long video filled with music from African-American artists and ads – the money raised from the video will go directly to fundraisers), start speaking about it. Conclusion In conclusion, racism is still present in our society. Even in Slovenia. If you want to know more about that, check out Elisabethnaomi98 or sgmxinfinity on Instagram. They are African- American girls living in Slovenia and they talk about this topic very often, especially about their experience with racism in Slovenia. George's death is just a tip of an iceberg that hasn't start melting yet. And just a reminder, racism isn't necessarily bullying and killing innocent lives because of their skin colour. It can be simply using ugly words, staring at a person of colour, avoiding contact with them or being scared of them (because you have this image that every person of colour is a criminal). Naja Jelenko, 3 a SOURCES https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Eric_Garner https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Lives_Matter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Breonna_Taylor https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Sean_Bell https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/oct/17/black-student-kendrec-mcdade- shot-us-police-review-withheld 11
INTERVIEW: Jakob Ambrož Blatnik Jakob Ambrož Blatnik is a 16-year-old hockey player, and he is currently a student at Gimnazija Ravne na Koroškem. Why and how old were you Is it hard to combine school when you first decided to and hockey? become a hockey player? \"My father picks me up from \"I have to say that hockey was school and drives me to at first just a recreational sport. Villach. It takes around 2 hours When I was 6 years old, I first to get there and I am back went on a hockey training and home around 10 o'clock. It is it was quite hard at the very difficult, particularly when beginning because I did not we have a lot of tests at school. know the language, and I was Because the only time I can a bit clumsy with ice skating. learn is at the weekends if we do My dad was the person who not have matches and inspired me to become a sometimes I do it in the car.\" hockey player as I am today.\" How many times a week do you have trainings and for which club do you play? \"I usually have trainings every day. Only sometimes, 4 times a week and at weekends we have matches. I play for a club in Austria in a city called Villach (Beljak).\" Which would you say is your best success so far? \"Our biggest success is definitely the title of the Austrian national champion and taking part at clubs national and world championships.\" 12
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? \"I hope that my future has hockey in it because I cannot imagine my life without it. I hope that by that time I will have finished studying RAD and then become a professional hockey player in America or Canada\" Source:https://www.instagram.com/p/B9O7Plvnkr6/ Nika Logar, 2 c 13
INTERVIEW: Eva Hanžekovič Eva is an 18-year-old student visiting class 3.a in Gimnazija Ravne na Koroškem. I decided to interview her because she is one of the best and the most working student in our class. Besides her amazing grades and achievements in school competitions, Eva is also a very talented musician. In this interview you can find out more about her and her busy but yet fun life. What instruments do you play? \"I play the saxophone & oboe.\" Where did you get the inspiration to play these instruments? \"Ever since I was a little girl, I attended Carinthian wind orchestra concerts, where my sister played. I got thrilled over the saxophone, which fascinated me with its beautiful sound. Few people know that there is a wide range of saxophone types, which I really liked. That is how I was able to choose between different perspectives of this instrument. Now I play the soprano sax, which is the highest, alt and tenor, and we also know baritone sax. As I played, I also realized that only saxophones can produce a sound equivalent to a symphony orchestra, which is very impressive. I always wanted to play the oboe, and 2 years ago my wish came true.\" How long have you been playing? \"I've been playing the saxophone for 9 years; I've finished 8 years of music school. I've been playing the oboe for 2 years and up to now have finished 4 classes of lower music school.\" 14
At which music school do What music genre do you you play the instruments? like to play the most? Are you a part of any orchestra? \"I like playing classical music best. I enjoyed playing com- \"For 8 years I have been positions by J.A. Demerssemana attending music school Ravne and J.B. Singeleeja the most.\" na Koroškem and during studying I educated on different Do you intend to play the masterclasses and summer instruments professionally? schools. In youth orchestra of my music school I gained my \"No, I don't intend to play the first experiences in orchestra instruments professionally, but playing and I am now a part of only amateurishly in orch- wind orchestra Prevalje, wind estras. However, music will orchestra Železarjev Ravne, surely accompany me through- Slovene saxophone orchestra out my life.\" SOS junior and Carinthian symphonists. I also help and If not, what would you like play in orchestra JKT Loibach in to do by profession? Where Pliberk.\" did you get the inspiration for this profession? Who are your idols? \"I am drawn to the natural \"My idols are my saxophone sciences, but I have not yet teacher and conductor of wind decided what I want to do by orchestra Železarjev Ravne profession.\" Gregor Kovačič, Slovenian renowned saxophone players Do you have any other Betka Bizjak Kotnik, Jovana Joka hobbies? What do you like and Lev Pupis and forign to do in your free time? saxophone players Philippe Portojoie, Gerald Preinfalk and \"In my free time I like to do Alain Crepin.\" sports in general, I run, because that's how I clear my mind, I hike, listen to music and read.\" 15
How do you arrange your free time with your work time? \"It was my musical path that taught me discipline, and thanks to all these commitments, I acquired the skills of scheduling my time for school, music and all other activities.\" What is your favourite school subject and why? \"I prefer science courses, especially maths and chemistry, because I like how all things are systematically connected and I like solving problems that I am given. I like challenges. It is also known that if we look at music a little more closely, we find that it consists of a bunch of mathematical rules. Of course, music has added value, emotions that I express myself with great inspiration as I create.\" Naja Jelenko, 3 a 16
WORLD WATER DAY 22nd of March
World water day On March 22nd each year, people make many different events in which they can use their creativity to spread awareness of water's importance in environment, agriculture, health and trade. People from all over the world come up with the most creative ideas to widen theirs and other people's perspective of water usage, and other problems associated with climate change and even more. This year during quarantine, our school together with our students had decided to participate in the movement and spread as much awareness by writing articles about water misuse, comics and even making videos! In this part of the newspaper you can read all about how some of us students have decided to share our perspective on the ever increasing problem of water misuse, and what you and I can do as individuals - not to prevent, but at least to help prevent the problems our dear planet is facing. We hope these articles will be educational, fun to read and most importantly effective in a way to encourage change. xoxo Nuša Kvasnik, 2 a 18
Blue planet Earth - the blue planet. Why is it called that? Our Earth is made of 70% water. And why is it so important? Everything that surrounds us requires water - everything we drink, everything we eat, everything we wear, everything we use etc. But we don't actually realise that the water sources are not infinite. We shouldn't take them for granted. With pollution we're destroying our planet. On the other hand some African and Asian countries are lacking water sources. They are in danger of water borne infections and other diseases because they don't have any clean water. That's why many organisations (UNICEF, UNEP – United Nations Environment Program, IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change etc.) are trying to help the people by drilling wells and trying to find a clean water source for the natives. Source: https://www.bing.com/images/blob?bcid=RH5lNcDddXQBowhGmLjuzurta-sC.....-I In conclusion water is an extremely important source that we take advantage of on a daily basis and don't realise how important it actually is. Barbara Pori, 2 a 19
Love water Water is our source of life, it is everything we have ever dreamt about. We need water to survive, it keeps us alive. If you drink it every day, you can run and play. Not everybody has the opportunity like our community, that is why we have to step together like true unity. That glass of water I am about to drink, deserves a second thought, I think. Gallons of water are wasted away, as people go about their regular day. We turn on the tap and the water flows, but does anyone know where that water goes? Water is clean and water is cool, but water can trickle too. Wells can dry up, till there is nothing left to fill the cup. Maybe today is water when we turn the tap on, but what will we do when the water is gone? Just start to be more aware, So, we can all someday drink our dear. Maša Grubelnik, 2 c 20
The source of life Water is the start of everything- it is the source of life, commu- nication and first forms of farming. None of us imagine living without it, but still we do not cherish its value. 25% of the world's population does not have access to clean water. It covers 1,4 billion km3 of surface which is around 70% but we can only access and drink around 0,02% therefore we have to reduce our usage for non-essential materials. Of course, we have come up with many solutions like dams or getting fresh water from the sea, maybe even groundwater pumping. But there is so much more that we can do in everyday life. For example, we use around 2700 liters of water just for painting shirts, not to mention that producing cotton uses hundreds of liters of water as well. There are many solutions like using natural fertilizers or just recycling old clothes and turning them into something else. Moreover, there are those simple little solutions like reducing the amount of water we use while showering or doing the dishes. The biggest problem is the difficulty we have in changing. All of us believe that there will not be a day when we will not be able to drink fresh water but it can happen to us at any time. It happened in Barcelona, so who says it cannot happen to us? We are not aware that some families pray for fresh water or have to watch their children get sick because drinking dirty water is the only option. Water is an asset that can starts wars or save people from poverty. We have to remember, not just on this day, but always that water is life. Gaja Tušek, 2 c 21
Water A gift from nature or a commercial resource? More than 1088 cubic meters of water pass through Victoria Falls every second, about 34 billion litres each year. That number may seem enormous, but when put into perspective, compared to how much water we use to dye fabrics, the number pales in comparison. We use more than 5.9 trillion litres yearly, just to colour our clothes! In 2016 roughly 4 quadrillion (4 with fifteen nulls behind it) litres were used for our needs, exploited by corporations and people. So a question arises, what gives us the authority to use up so much, to, in some cases, literally steal an essential resource from other living beings? Are we, humans, worth more? Some might argue that in fact, yes, we are. We evolved to be the smartest animals on the planet. If we have the knowledge to access water, we have the right to do so. Nature is a challenging, dog-eat-dog world, only the fittest for survival can reproduce and pass down their genes. Therefore we are just creating certain circumstances in which only the strong will survive. Those animals who can more efficiently survive with less water or in polluted waters will breed stronger offspring and in the long-run greatly benefit their species. Water should also be considered an economic good, because people need it and exchange it for other goods. I disagree with this mentality, it denies the right to a healthy life all animals (and generally all living beings) have and not only does it hurt other organisms, it hurts us. People deny the right to live to other humans and that is, in my opinion, disgusting. On the other hand, some believe that we are in fact a sickness, an infection that has ravaged the plant. We pollute the water other creatures live in, we take away what little they had left and then recklessly waste it. Our eyes are closed, mass media that is shoved 22
down our throats lies to us that everything is fine and that there is nothing to worry about. The planet is being killed and its death is publicly broadcast too milk even more money out of our wallets, donating to causes that pocket 80% of the donations they receive. The best option for the planet is our extinction. However, I do not agree with this outlook either. We too are living organisms and are a product of nature. An example, when the wolves in Yellowstone national park were killed off, the whole ecosystem collapsed, deer overran the grass fields, destroying the habitats of other animals in the process. Only when wolves were introduced back into the park and started hunting the deer, did the ecosystem recover. Even the rivers changed their streams (because of beavers) and gave new life to whole other parts of the park. My point is, if we kill ourselves, we also risk the death of millions of other species, because we too are an important part of the ecosystem. I believe that neither the capitalist exchange of water nor the death of our species are healthy ways of dealing with the fact that the pollution of water and the planet IS our fault and our responsibility. The true solution is coexistence. Earth made us, so we have the obligation to protect it to the best of our abilities. To live together, not in nature, but as nature. Water is a surprising thing; it can be as quiet as a pin drop or as roaring as thunder, rest calmly as the surface of lakes or destroy whole cities with massive waves. People are no different, we can love or destroy without a care. But a truly admirable characteristic of water is that no matter the time or place, every time it meets itself, it sticks together and forms rivers, lakes, oceans and giant waterfalls. United, it creates some of the most beautiful things: caves, beaches, canyons. But it takes time to make them, valleys don’t form overnight. Just like water, we can overcome our problems especially the ones we made. Sticking together and fighting for a unified cause, creating a canyon one drop at a time. 23
The world isn’t doomed, but the lives of hundreds of thousands of species are on the line, including ours. Water is not a resource, it is a privilege, which we too often neglect and mistreat. We must reduce, reuse and recycle as much as we can. Build wastewater treatment plants that would decontaminate water and return it back into the water cycle, to give nature back what was taken from her. Second-hand fashion greatly reduces the usage and contamination of water by the fashion industry. Organising clean- ups and events bringing light upon such topics will increase the overall desire to do good things and to help the planet. Voting for people that actually care for a cleaner and safer future, allowing everybody to have the right to clean drinkable water. It is especially our duty, as the future of the planet- teenagers and children, to fight for OUR right to enjoy life without having to worry about bacteria or harmful elements in the tap water, massive droughts and crop failure, to be able to eat fish and play in the sea and lakes, just like they did hundreds of years ago. I know that our voices are often silenced, we often argue amongst ourselves and sometimes blindly follow trends, however, this is more than just a trend, it is our future. We, as does water, must unite and fight, step by step creating a canyon, which even after our death, generations after us will admire and look up to. Tim Zagorščak, 2 a 24
Dear water Water represents one of the most important resources throughout our entire lives. It quickly becomes a vital part of our way of life, but instead of using it in moderation and being aware of how harmful overuse can be to nature (and in the end ourselves), we keep hiding from the truth while using so many unnecessary litres of water on a daily basis, thinking that water is an unlimited resource. But the truth is, just like any other resource, it is not. Despite the 71% of water on our planet, only 0,02% of water is actually useful (such as rivers, lakes, rainwater etc.). The way we're living, wouldn't be possible without water. An average family of four spends 140,000 litres of water weekly. That does not necessarily mean only tap or shower water, but virtual water. Virtual water means the volume of water used to produce a specific product (e.g. 330 litres of water are used for the production of a single loaf of bread). So this includes every product we buy at the store. Every day 4 litres of water are used for drinking and to prepare food per person, which means that in an average family of four at least 16 litres are used only for that. For personal hygiene about 10 litres are used per person, 40 litres of water are used after lunch to wash the dishes, about 50 to 300 litres are used to wash a car, most of the water used to water our gardens goes to waste because a lot of it evaporates. 2500 litres of water are used in the making of a T-shirt, and 11,000 litres are used in the making of a single pair of jeans. And probably the most bizarre is that every year 5,9 billion litres of water are used only for the colouring of textiles. So we must ask ourselves, what can we do to prevent such waste? What can we do to stop polluting water? How can I help the 25
quarter of the human race that has to walk for hours to get water which in the end is very dirty and unsafe to drink, while the other three quarters are lucky enough to go and pour some tap water? We must realise that we are living in this world, and that we are not the only ones living in it. There is so much that an individual can do to help. We have to take care of it now, and for the future, so when we pass away and hand our planet to our descendants, we should make sure we hand it over in a stable condition and most significantly in awareness of water usage, and how to help our planet. We have to use our minds and take action to create an environment in which not only the human race will be able to live on, but all living organisms. So dear water, like every human in this world should, I am thanking you for not only keeping me hydrated, but for everything I can do with you, with you making it possible for me, and not only me, but for everyone around the world. Nuša Kvasnik, 2 a Source: https://image.freepik.com/free-vector/people-holding-tree-icons-raise-environmental- awareness_53876-59879.jpg 26
Newspaper life Water is important Water suprise World water day To make one car we use an We commemorate World average of 380000 liters of water, 900 liters per kilogram Water Day every year on of corn, 40 liters for one slice of bread, 3000 liters for 1 March 22, since 1992, when it kilogram of sugar, we use 8000 liters of water for one was selected at the United pair of jeans, 2700 liters of water for one cotton shirt… Nations Conference on We are not aware of how Environment and much water we are actually consuming. And I can tell you Development in Rio de that we use absolutely too much water. Janeiro, Brazil. Its purpose is Water is priceless, and we to raise awareness of the have to start appreciating it. importance of drinking water and the sustainable use of aquifers. This year's central theme: \"Don't ignore anyone\" By definition, this means that we must not ignore anyone or leave anyone behind. Source: http://mop.arhiv spletisc.gov.si/fileadmin/_processed_/d/b/csm_angleski_logo_bdd1e2ec00.png 27
However, billions of people This year's World Water Day is still live without safe drinking designed to tackle the global water today, fighting for their water crisis by addressing the existence and development of reasons why so many people their housing, schools, jobs, are being ignored. farms, factories. How much water do we need? Anita Nabernik, 2 f 28
Comics 29
Ema Haber, 2 a Klara Kac, 2 c 30
SCIENCE Jana Komprej, 3 a
What can AI draw? Artificial Intelligence has progressed a lot through the years. It can learn many things and is covering a lot of areas. Machines can now inspire writers, search up a book for you based on your conversation about it, you can conduct your own orchestra just by moving your arms thanks to them…I decided to discover more about AI and drawing. My question was what can it really draw and if it can already replace artists. In concept of AI experiments I found two drawing applications that can finish what you have started. One of them has two versions. I decided to test them and compare them to one another. The first one is called Autodraw and it was made to help you make anything visual really fast. When you start drawing something the AI tries to recognize it and gives you examples drawn by artists on the top of the screen for you to choose between them. When you click on one, the application transforms your doodles into that. Source: https://www.autodraw.com/ 32
The second one has two demos. First is named Magic sketchpad. You have to choose what you want to draw and start drawing it. When you raise your pen AI finishes it for you. It is funny to play with it but it usually does not do anything useful. It draws simple drawings or just random doodles. Source: https://magic-sketchpad.glitch.me/ The second demo is called sketch-rnn predictor. You have to choose what you want to draw just like in first the demo. When you start drawing, the app will try to predict in what position you want to draw it and how. Then it will let you choose between different options which are not exactly good (at least most of them), but if you don not draw well and do not have much time to draw something it is useful somehow. Source: https://magenta.tensorflow.org/assets/sketch_rnn_demo/multi_predict.html 33
To do a fair comparison I decided to start drawing the same thing in all softwares and compare them based on results of that. I started drawing mermaid because it takes some time to draw it and the point of all the applications is that they can draw it for you faster than you could. My conclusion is that the Autodraw is the best out of these three, because you can choose between different options that are actually quality drawings and you do not have to tell it what you want to draw because it can guess it out of a simple sketch. This application also has many colors to work with and is the most user friendly. The second place in this comparison goes to the sketch- rnn predictor. It does not have the best options to choose between, but at least you can choose and some predictions are not so bad. 34
Sketchpad did not make a good impression on me. It does not do anything that you could not, in fact it draws worse than a toddler, but at least it made me laugh because some of the drawings were so silly. I think AI is not able to replace artists for now, but maybe in the future it will be able to do some things better than them. If you are interested in AI, you can find many interesting experiments with machines by following this link and you can try them out for yourself.: https://experiments.withgoogle.com/collection/ai Kaja Vreš, 1 c Source: Kaja Vreš, 1.c 35
BLACK HOLES Black holes are regions in space where the pulling force of gravity is so strong, that light is not able to escape. According to NASA, there are three main types of black holes. We know primordial, stellar, supermassive black holes and, after a recent research, an allegedly new type called intermediate blackholes. The reason they're called intermediate blackholes is because they are stuck in the middle. A black hole can be determined by knowing its mass and size. Source: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/cygx1_ill_0.jpg Every type of black hole has its way of forming. Primordial black holes are thought to have formed in the early universe, soon after the big bang. Stellar black holes are formed when the centre of a very large star collapses in upon itself. This action also causes a supernova (or an exploding star), which blasts a part of the star into space. Supermassive black holes are thought to be formed at the same time as the galaxy they are in. 36
The size and mass of supermassive black holes are related to the size and mass of the galaxy they are in. Intermediate black holes are said they could form when stars in a cluster, (this means that they are positioned closely together), collide in a chain reaction. This means that several intermediate black holes could fall together after some time, which would cause the creation of a supermassive black hole. Source: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/styles/ubernode_alt_horiz/public/thumbnails/image/simulated_bh.j pg It is a fact that black holes cannot be seen in the universe because of their strong gravity, which pulls all the light into the black hole's centre. But that does not mean that we cannot see all the way around them. Scientists are able to see the effects of strong gravity on the stars and gases around it. The gas molecules in the disk swirl around the black hole so fast that they heat up and emit X-rays. These X-rays can be detected from Earth. Did you know that if (for an example), you fell into a black hole, you would be stretched out like spaghetti, yet that would not be the cause of your death. In fact, you would die because of a fire, caused by quantum effects, that would cause the event horizon to act like a wall of fire. Another fun fact is that The Milky way is estimated to have anywhere from 10 million to 1 billion black holes, with their masses being 3 times of the sun's. Nuša Kvasnik, 2 a 37
HOMEMADE AGAR A science experiment you can make yourself Agar is a jelly-like substance obtained from some species of red algae. It’s typically used as a vegan substitute for gelatine or pectin, as a laxative or as a thickening agent. But is most often used as a medium for cultivating microorganisms. Agar is made out of two components: linear polysaccharides and smaller agaropectin molecules. It is an excellent base for growing microbes, as it maintains its structure during cellular growth and can be modified by adding different ingredients like blood or by adjusting its pH (blood agar, agar for fungi…). Each variation promotes growth of different kinds of organisms. We usually grow agar under regulated conditions in an incubator by controlling the temperature, humidity and CO2 concentration. However, because a highly specialised scientific device isn’t a usual household appliance, some improvisation is required. That isn’t a problem unless you intend to grow specific kinds of microbes. If you’re reading this, you probably don’t. When your culture has grown you can try to identify the colony with visual classification using an identification key or with microscopy. Proper disposal of all petri dishes and sterilization of any microorganisms with chemicals like bleach is required as airborne pathogens or spores may grow on the medium. These can contaminate nearby surfaces or infect other organisms. Even though this is a relatively easy home science experiment, lab safety is necessary to ensure the wellbeing of yourself and others 38
around you. Petri dishes should never be opened unless you are sterilizing them, even then proper equipment, like masks and gloves, is required. Before trying this experiment read about it online to make sure you know how to properly proceed (explaining how you got salmonella to your doctor would not be a fun conversation). Required set-up and materials: 1 packet of store-bought agar 1 bouillon cube 200ml water 2 tea spoons sugar 1 package gauze 1 funnel Saucepan 4 – 6 petri dishes Sterile cotton swabs Tape 3% salt solution Plastic zip lock bags (double zip advisable) Scientific equipment (sterile gloves and mask) Procedure: In a saucepan in 200ml of water dissolve 1 bouillon cube and 2 teaspoons of sugar, this will be the nutritional soup we will add to the agar. When the soup has cooled down, remove any grease particles that have formed on the surface. Insert a piece of gauze into a funnel and pour the soup through it into another container. In a 39
different saucepan prepare the agar. Follow the instructions listed on the back of the package. Add the soup to the still-liquid agar and mix until a slightly viscous homogeneous solution forms. Prepare 4 – 6 petri dishes. When the solution cools pour it through a funnel into the petri dishes, you will probably have to change the gauze inside twice or thrice because it will get clogged up. Seal all the petri dishes with lids and put them in inside a refrigerator to solidify. After a few hours remove the dishes and prepare the cotton swabs and the 3% salt solution. Wet the swabs with the solution and rub them on the surface of objects whose microbial flora you want to grow (door handles, faucets, countertops…). Rub the swab on the hardened medium in a zig-zag pattern, be sure to rotate the swab to ensure that more microorganisms get transferred onto the agar. Repeat the process on the other dishes with different swab locations. Again seal all the petri dishes with lids and tape them shut, with a permanent marker mark the date and location of the swab. Put the dishes inside a plastic zip lock bag and make sure to tightly seal it to prevent contamination. Leave the dishes in a dark and warm place for optimal growth. Check if any new colonies have formed on a two to three day basis. When the growth has stopped, take the dishes out of the bag in a well ventilated place. If you want, you can identify any colonies using an online identification key and a microscope. When you’re done, prepare a bleach solution (follow the instructions written on 40
the back of the bottle) and submerge the plastic bag with the petri dishes inside, leave it for a day or two to destroy any microbes and then safely dispose of the dishes and bag. Voila, you have created your very own family of microorganisms. It’s like being a parent without the stress and anger of actually having to take care for your children. Tim Zagorščak, 2 a Source: Tim Zagorščak 41
SPORTS Jana Komprej, 3 a
Kobe Bryant Kobe Bryant (full name Kobe Bean Bryant) was an American basketball player. As shooting guard (a position whose main objective is to score points or to steal ball on defence) he entered the NBA directly from high school, where he began his 20-season professional career for Los Angeles Lakers. He achieved many things in basketball. He won 5 NBA championships, was an 18- time all-star (prestige event for all the best NBA players), 15-time member of all NBA team, 12-time member of all defensive team, was named 2008 MVP and 2 times NBA final MVP winner. Source:https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2016/08/25/461f9cda-39c2-4b2d-a5b1- 290b8f64f996/thumbnail/1200x675/6c2f61ad460a00485c49b3ef4381213f/kobebryant.jpg Bryant began playing basketball young. His father Joe Bryant was also a professional basketball player. Everything began with his father and Kobe’s love for the game. He went to Lower Merion high school in Pennsylvania, there he was recognized as the best high school basketball player in the country. After his graduation he enrolled the 1996 NBA draft. Kobe ended his career on a good note. In the last game Kobe ever played he scored 60 points for his team which won them the game 101:96 vs Utah Jazz. Kobe also holds the 2nd most points scored in a single game in the NBA, with 81 points which he scored on Jan., 22nd, 2006. 43
Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5c/10/4d/5c104d2eaeb55c79800ce07a883c0c2d.jpg Kobe died in a helicopter crash on Jan., 26th, 2020. In the crash also died his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and baseball coach John Altobelli. Source: https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/104504933-Kobe_Bryant_24.jpg?v=1580227638 Jan Potočnik, 2 c 44
Two hidden superstars Have you ever heard of E-sports? No? So E-sport or Electronic sport is a form of sport competition using and competing in videogames. In front of our noses there is a completely new world that some people don’t even know about. Money pools for winners of these tournaments have already reached us $34 million. These competitions are no joke, people from all around the world are watching them and they are growing so fast that they can even compete with real life sports. Source: https://i1.wp.com/metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/EJBtWcGXUAIwBzQ-d338.jpg? quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=644%2C428&ssl=1 To get in E-sport team you have to work hard every day, sharpen your skills in game and have to dedicate a lot of your time in games so pro teams see you. If you’re very lucky you get picked and you can compete with your team in tournaments. Two of our Slovene became superstars in E-sports. They go by their IGN’s (in game name) MikyX and Nemesis. 45
MikyX MikyX was born on November 2nd 1998; he is a Slovene professional gamer who plays for G2 Esports. MikyX’s real name is Mihael Mehle and comes from Čušperk na Dolenjskem. As a 17- year-old boy MikyX left school to follow his dreams. MikyX began his professional career on August 2014 for a team named bottled water. It was a smaller team but his talent was immediately recognized by the EU ‘’powerhouse Fnatic’’, where he went as a substitute. Later in April 2016 he got an offer from the 3rd best EU team Splyce where he was in the 1st team roster. He played 2 seasons for Splyce and afterwards got an offer from Misfits. In the Misfits he again proved that he is one of if not the best support role player in the world. Source: https://www.dailyesports.gg/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/g2-mikyx-640x400.jpeg That’s why he got an offer from the second EU \"powerhouse’’ G2. MikyX became a very successful player when playing for G2 where last year he won all the trophies possible except the world championship trophy where G2 lost to FPX. It was one trophy that was separating G2 from the first ever ‘’grand slam’’ (winning all possible trophies in one season). When not playing MikyX is a really funny guy, loves to mess around and make other people laugh. I think and hope that MikyX and G2 will accomplish the impossible and earn that grand slam! #G2GrandSlam 46
Nemesis Nemesis was born on July 26th 1999 in Brežice. He’s 20 years old and his real name is Tim Lipovšek. Tim began his career in 2017 for MAD Lions, where he immediately got recognised by the bigger teams. One of those teams was FNC (Fnatic), where he became the new mid laner. Tim won 2nd place with Fnatic in the LEC (League European Championship (1st place G2)). In the world championship Fnatic lost to FPX (later world champions) in the quarter final. Tim preformed really well and got himself a good reputation. Source: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TEyBPTbatgU/maxresdefault.jpg Jan Potočnik 2 c 47
Summer body workout The summer reminds us of the seaside. The beach, the waves and most importantly, the swimwear (if you're a woman). While we wear swimwear we show most of our body. This is why people workout before the summer and try to shape the body to their own desires. To save you all the work I've made a quick but very efficient 5 minute summer workout for the perfect body. So, first things first. Eat healthy and don't just stuff yourself with food too much. Try to eat as little junk food as possible and a lot of protein, like chicken, eggs, rice ... Make sure you eat enough calories so your body doesn't starve and so it gains mass because with gaining mass you gain muscle. I suggest you use a fitness mat or something soft you can put on the ground so the exercises don't hurt your hands or legs too much. 1. 1 minute plank: Make sure your head is looking upward, your hands a shoulder-width apart and the legs are just the extension of your body. This works your shoulders, abs, side abs and legs. (advanced: put some weight on your back) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/74e1db_babf04a8501f442cbd684960c238a69f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/ w_636,h_361,al_c,q_90/74e1db_babf04a8501f442cbd684960c238a69f~mv2.jpg 48
2. 3. 30 seconds mountain 1 minute jumping jacks: climber: Make sure you This exercise is great for fat start in the same position loss because it’s a cardio as plank just with extended exercise. High intensity + arms. Now just move your long time = fat loss. Simple. legs towards your body. (advanced: do it for 2 This exercise is great for minutes or you can add a the same body parts as the weight jacket on) plank. (advanced: put some weights around your ankles) https://previews.123rf.com/images/comotomo/comotomo https://w7.pngwing.com/pngs/416/997/png- 1901/comotomo190100424/115269458-mountain- transparent-jumping-jack-exercise-physical-activity- climbers-sport-exersice-silhouettes-of-woman-doing- obesity-stress-jumping-jacks-white-text-hand.png exercise-workout-training-vector-illustr.jpg https://w7.pngwing.com/pngs/416/997/png-transparent-jumping-jack-exercise- physical-activity-obesity-stress-jumping-jacks-white-text-hand.png 4. 30 seconds break. Drink some water and take deep breaths. (advanced: take only 15s break) 49
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