the bird on fire

The Palm Valley School Student Blog

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Massive Mochi

by Leave a Comment

Keeping consistent with her love of writing about food, blogger Elizabeth Shay writes about cooking the world’s largest mochi to begin this week’s theme of “World Records You Think You Could Break.”–Theme Editor Jake Sonderman

By Elizabeth Shay

From colossal pizzas to humongous cups of coffee, my favorite World Records involve supersized foods and drinks. Breaking such records requires a lot of time, money, and creative thinking. Instead of trying to create a 10,000 foot sushi roll, I think that I could set the bar for the world’s largest mochi, which has not yet been recognized!

Record Requirements

As of 2011, Guinness created the policy that all giant foods or records that involve large amounts of food must be either donated, consumed, or sold for consumption for the record to be recognised as official (todayifoundout). This segues into the next stipulation that giant foods must be edible and generally resemble the original food or drink that it is modeled after. 

What is Mochi?

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of mochigome (a short-grain glutinous rice), water, sugar, potato starch or cornstarch, and sometimes flavorings. Mochigome is made into flours called Shiratamako or Mochiko, which differ in texture and processing methods (Wikipedia). Mochi is a very important food in Japanese culture and is tied to the importance of the staple crop–rice–as well as the practice of thanking the Shinto gods for a bountiful harvest. Mochi is known for its sticky, stretchy, soft, and chewy texture; it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. There are 16 common types of mochi, including mochi ice cream which has become popular in the United States (byfood).

How is Mochi made?

The process of making mochi at home today is simple. It can be done in a microwave using only three main ingredients for the most basic mochi. The Shiratamako and Mochiko flours are sold in stores, so you don’t have to worry about grinding rice at home. 

  1. Whisk together the sweet rice flour with water to form a smooth batter. 
  2. Then strain the mixture and whisk sugar into the strained batter. 
  3. Next, microwave it for three minutes, mix, and return it to the microwave for another two minutes. 
  4. After stirring once again, you should have a smooth and shiny dough. Line a flat surface with parchment paper and generously sprinkle potato starch or cornstarch on it.
  5. Scrape the still warm dough onto the surface, and cut it into the desired size with a starch-dusted knife.
  6. Finally, shape the dough into the desired shape and serve warm or chilled for 20 minutes (Masterclass).

This is the most basic recipe. Mochi can be enhanced by adding flavors and fillings such as green tea or red bean paste.

Beating (setting) the Record

As of right now, there has not been an internationally recognized giant mochi. Compared to other foods with many ingredients, mochi is actually a very cost effective supersized food creation to attempt. I would likely create large batches of dough and combine them, rather than trying to attempt it all at once. If I had access to more money and factory or industrial facilities and equipment, this task would be much easier! With my limited resources, I predict that I could begin by setting the record with a humble five-foot mochi. This would be easily broken, but I think that it would be fun to try!

What giant food record do you want to set or break?

World Records You Think You Could Break Editor: Jake Sonderman

Sources:

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2016/07/happens-big-food-made-break-world-records/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mochi

https://www.byfood.com/blog/travel-tips/the-beginners-guide-to-mochi

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mochi-recipe#sweet-japanese-mochi-recipe

Multiverse Theory–Is There More Than One Evan?

by Leave a Comment

I think we can all agree the universe is undeniably large. Blogger Evan explores the question of “How big is the universe?” by explaining the multiverse theory.–Alternate Realities Editor Hannah Hall

By Evan Spry

Possibly the hardest question scientists and astronomers have to answer right now is, “How big is the universe?” This is such a difficult question to answer because it is nearly impossible to determine and there are different theories about the nature of our universe. One theory is that the universe is super big but finite, and the other theory is that the universe is infinitely big and ever expanding. If you ask me, the second theory is way cooler and more thought-provoking because it fosters deeper ideas like the multiverse theory, where there are an infinite amount of parallel universes coexisting at the same time. 

What is a multiverse?

A multiverse is the blanket term for the hypothetical group of multiple universes that would exist if our universe was infinite. The reason a multiverse would exist is because if the universe was infinitely big, there would have to be a repeat in the formation of matter at some point because there are only a certain number of combinations space could be made up of. If this sounds confusing, physicist Brian Greene has an analogy, “Think of the universe like a deck of cards. Now, if you shuffle that deck, there’s just so many orderings that can happen. If you shuffle that deck enough times, the orders will have to repeat” (npr.org). So if we do live in a multiverse, that means that there would be another universe, however far away, that would be almost identical to our universe. This means that there could be other versions of ourselves living out their lives as we speak! 

Stephen Hawking

One name recognized highly by everyone in the scientific community is Stephen Hawking. This is because of the countless scientific honors and awards he’s received over the years. In his last paper before his death, Hawking famously mentioned the existence of the multiverse saying, “We are not down to a single, unique universe, but our findings imply a significant reduction of the multiverse to a much smaller range of possible universes” (space.com). Ever since the 80s, Hawking has been teaming up with other scientists to find the secrets of the universe. It was in these studies that the Hawking-Hartle idea was introduced. This idea described how the universe formed after the Big Bang. Within this theory, more questions arose. Hawking and Hartle had implied that with the creation of the universe, there would have to be an infinite amount of other universes. 

In conclusion, there could be another copy of you somewhere else far away in the universe. However, we unfortunately won’t be able to solve this problem any time soon because of the technological achievements we’d have to accomplish before then. I think this is an awesome theory, and I would like to believe that there are an infinite number of Evans running, swimming, or flying around the universe–I just don’t have the evidence yet.

Alternate Realities Editor: Hannah Hall

Sources:

https://astronomy.com/news/2020/12/is-the-multiverse-theory-science-fiction-or-science-fact

https://www.npr.org/2011/01/24/132932268/a-physicist-explains-why-parallel-universes-may-exist

https://www.space.com/32728-parallel-universes.html

Dream of a Rhododendron

by Leave a Comment

As the days turn, our emotions come and go. Blogger Quintus writes his poem “Dream of a Rhododendron,” which discusses one’s future reality through experiencing love and hard times and how one can bloom from them like a brilliant rhododendron.–Alternate Realities Editor Hannah Hall

By Quintus Ni

Plant a dream, spring, summer, autumn and winter

bloom all over
Red, pink, yellow, white
Love

Hide yourself with your mind and soul
A pink time, the gap of the city
The vine full of life

Returning from the world of mortals, night overflows

Painful thoughts

Powder and red boil time, day and month
Constantly add, the bitterness and honey of life

Sooner or later, delay
A brilliant Rhododendron
Time brewed joys and sorrows, drink
White and yellow nectar, my body

Fill up
The poison of love
One, two, three
Crumble, a piece of time
Red dream, a bird
Come back every night

Alternate Realities Editor: Hannah Hall

How We Can Use Virtual Reality Today

by Leave a Comment

A world inside our own??? Yeah, that is basically Virtual Reality. Slap on a pair of goggles, and you are practically good to go. Blogger Jake explores a few very unique ways that we use VR in medicine, product design, military, shopping, and events. –Alternate Realities Editor Hannah Hall

By Jake Sonderman

Many movies, like The Matrix, examine living in a reality created electronically that is not “real.” Today, we have at our fingertips the technology to immerse ourselves in a digital reality. But, instead of living in an alternate reality, we use virtual reality and augmented reality to better enhance the reality we live in. 

Virtual reality has been around for longer than most people realize. The virtual reality we know today, the headsets and everything, was developed in the 70s and 80s by NASA as a training system (fi.edu). Virtual reality has been extensively studied since this time and is now accessible to everyone. But now, the first association most people make with virtual reality is video games. Don’t get me wrong: this is a great way to immerse yourself in another world or reality. But, there are many more practical uses for virtual and augmented reality. 

Here are some of those uses: 

Surgery

Vancouver-based Precision OS Virtual Reality Surgical Training Adopted by 10 Medical Institutions Across North America | T-Net News

Arguably the most meaningful use–VR is an invaluable tool for training surgeons. Mock surgeries can be created and implemented, but, also, resident or new surgeons can have a professional guide them in virtual reality during a real surgery. Some surgeries can even be performed by a robot being controlled by a surgeon using VR. 

Other Medical Uses

There are many ways VR is being utilized in therapy, whether it be conquering phobias or treating PTSD. There is also the possibility of better virtual checkups (you know in case we all have to stay home for an extended period of time for some reason). Studies have shown that VR helps paraplegics learn to walk again because according to the Duke researchers that executed the study, “If you are confined to a bed or a wheelchair for a long time, your brain starts forgetting what it’s like to have legs and how to control them.” VR helps these patients remember. 

Product Design

Developing prototypes can be extremely expensive, especially for small businesses and automotive manufacturers. VR is being used to design digital prototypes and save money in the process by not creating as many physical prototypes. Here is a link to Jaguar Land Rover’s Virtual Cave where they design new cars in VR. It is from 10 years ago but is still a good example of using virtual reality to enhance production. 

Military and Handling Dangerous Materials

Soldiers to Get Advanced Virtual Training Tools Next Year, Army Says | Military.com

Of course we already use drones in the military, but VR has good applications for training teams in all branches. The military invests very heavily into developing VR technology. VR is also useful for handling dangerous objects like radioactive materials from a distance, through robots of course. 

Shopping

One of the things I hate about shopping online, especially for musical instruments, is not being able to try something before I buy it. Virtual reality can help customers get a sense for what they want before they buy it. This is especially helpful for online clothes shopping. VR can assist in seeing how clothes will fit and look before you buy them, so that you don’t have to spend days waiting just to get clothes that don’t fit. Also, the automotive industry is beginning to use VR to show customers how a car will feel if they want to buy it online. 

vRetail are using VR to enhance the shopping experience

Events and Concerts

Especially during Quarantine, concerts in VR began to get some traction. Unfortunately, the phenomenon didn’t go too mainstream due to a relatively small number of people having a VR headset, but it is still a cool innovation. This is especially cool for audio because believe it or not, audio for VR is also very complicated. This is because if you are in a virtual room, software has to model what the audio will sound like in the exact spot you are standing based on the acoustics of the virtual room and where the audio source is coming from. But an added plus is that you can choose to watch the concert in solo mode and see your favorite artist up close. 

I find this very interesting since I plan to major in audio engineering, and many cool VR products for audio have come out of the university I plan to go to (the University of Miami)–one of which was a VR program that spots the acoustic imperfections in your home studio. 

The amount of technology an everyday citizen has at their fingertips today would amaze someone 30 years ago. That being said, I’m sure 10 years from now we will all be utilizing technology hundreds of times more powerful. To me, it seems like VR is a technology we will all be using in the future, and man that is exciting. 

Alternate Realities Editor: Hannah Hall

Sources: 

Virtual Reality in Healthcare

https://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality-applications/fashion.html

https://www.neuro.duke.edu/research/research-news/how-vr-helping-paraplegics-walk-again#:~:text=The%20Duke%20researchers%20figured%20out,the%20experience%20of%20moving%20again.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/02/12/15-effective-uses-of-virtual-reality-for-businesses-and-consumers/?sh=5ba74dbdf2b2

https://amylameyer.medium.com/an-update-on-concerts-in-vr-progress-but-not-perfection-e3fc6772a7a7#:~:text=A%20concert%20in%20VR%20refers,computer%20generated%20or%20360%20video).

https://virtualspeech.com/blog/vr-applications

The Franklin Institute, https://www.fi.edu/virtual-reality/history-of-virtual-reality

A “reality” that may be closer than you think

by Leave a Comment

Blogger Roman takes inspiration from futuristic flicks as he peers into alternate realities. This future is full of safer and more advanced modes of transportation. Interested? Take a read, and find out more. –Alternate Realities Editor Hannah Hall

By Roman Rickwood

When you think of alternate realities, a common thought that comes to mind is virtual reality or sci-fi movies where life as we know it is unrecognizable. However, if we took certain aspects of life and advanced them even 50 years, much of how we live would change. For example, in most “alternate reality” movies, transportation is often the most advanced feature in the made-up world. However, what if we took the portrayal of transportation in these movies and implemented them into real life? 

The Future of Transportation businessinsider.com

Think of our society today; the large majority of our society owns or has easy access to a car, motorcycle, or some form of transportation. However, when we watch these sci-fi and alternate-reality movies, we see very efficient methods of transportation such as air tubes, aerial mass transport vehicles, as well as connecting walking tunnels. All of these things have the same goal–mass transportation in the quickest and most efficient way possible. Living in Southern California, we all know and understand the horror of traffic and congested roads. Seriously, how many times have you been late or even missed something because of the traffic or congested roads??! Now, we do have mass transport systems in place in our world today such as subways, buses, trains, and planes. Most people, specifically people in California, do not rely on these systems of transportation because they are all too often late and inefficient. The culture in most parts of the United States is that each household has access to a form of transportation. With all that being said, try and even imagine our society and how we transport ourselves with even half of the technology shown in movies. Imagine a world where traffic did not exist and where you could rely on mass transportation to be both quick, effective, and most importantly reliable. A few major societal changes that could occur would be decrease in emissions and gasses, decrease of people on the roads, which would inevitably lead to a decrease in traffic-related accidents. 

When you break down all these factors and see how many issues and accidents are caused by “outdated” modes of transportation, we see just how much an alternate reality of transportation would improve and help our world. We need a change, and we need it now.

Alternate Realities Editor: Hannah Hall

Alternate Versions of Superman

by Leave a Comment

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Superman! Blogger Erik describes the lives of four superbeings which all have strikingly similar characteristics to Superman. Are they good; are they evil? Read more to find out.–Alternate Realities Editor Hannah Hall

By Erik Bearman

*Warning: spoilers for Megamind, Brightburn, and Amazon Prime’s The Boys below.

Even if you’re not a comic-book fan, you’ve probably heard of Superman. He’s a modern-day paragon of truth, justice, and heroism and is inspiring to people inside his universe and in the real world. So, it shouldn’t surprise you to know that many artists have been inspired by the iconic superhero. Some spin-offs and allegories are just as heroic as the original. Others are flawed characters. And, some are straight up evil! When Hannah gave us the theme of “Alternate Realities,” I chose to write about these alternate supermen because it’s interesting how different characters, many flawed, use the same set of superpowers.

Sentry

sentry marvel - Google Search | Marvel sentry, Marvel comic character, Marvel facts

First appearing in The Sentry #1 published July 19th, 2000, Sentry has become one of Marvel’s most powerful characters and has fought against and alongside heroes such as the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men.

Scientists working on Project Sentry were attempting to recreate the serum that granted Captain America his super strength. Many decades of failure were about to bring an end to the project. Until Robert “Bob” Reynolds broke into the laboratory and drank the serum. The serum granted him “the power of a million exploding suns” which included abilities such as flight, superhuman strength, and teleportation (marvel.fandom.com).

Over the past several years, Sentry has only grown more popular with the fanbase and even more powerful in the comics. His greatest threat is arguably the Void; an evil alternate personality implanted in Sentry’s brain by the villain Mastermind.

Metro Man | Megamind Wiki | Fandom

Metro Man

Megamind introduced us to the Metro Man; the beloved hero of Metro-City and certified baby kisser. Much like his rival Megamind, Metro Man’s planet was in danger of being swallowed by a black hole. So, Metro Man’s parents sent him offworld. Metro Man landed in an upper-class neighborhood and was adopted by a very wealthy family. Even as a child, Metro Man was adored by his community and was always the popular kid in school.

During his adulthood, Metro Man dueled with Megamind countless times and always won. But, one day, Metro Man got tired of being the hero. He realized he never had a choice to explore his dreams. In order to free himself, Metro Man faked his death during a fight with Megamind. While Megamind was busy wreaking havoc across the city, Metro Man was expanding his career as a musician. Megamind and Roxanne (Megamind’s version of Lois Lane) asked for Metro Man’s help in fighting Metro-City’s latest threat: Tighten. But Metro Man declined and continued his doomed career as a musician.

Brightburn

Brightburn review: super-antihero fails to take flight | Film | The Guardian

In the 2019 horror film Brightburn, Kyle and Tori Breyer wanted to have a child but were unsuccessful. One night, while attempting to overcome this problem, the Breyers heard a thunderous noise outside their farm. The couple investigates and finds an alien pod containing something that resembles a human baby. Finally happy that they’ll be able to raise a child, the Breyers hide the pod beneath their barn and raise the baby, which they name Brandon, as their own. The name “Brandon” is a possible reference to Brandon Routh, the actor who played Superman in Superman Returns.

For the most part, Brandon seems like a normal kid. He’s socially awkward, occasionally mouths off to his parents, and hides diagrams of human body parts under his bed. His parents pass these incidents off as typical teenage hormones. But, these are actually indicators of Brandon’s aggressive and cunning nature. 

Things truly take a turn for the worse when Brandon wakes up in the middle of the night and hears mysterious voices commanding him to “Take the world.” After discovering and mastering his powers of super strength, laser vision, and invulnerability, Brandon begins a brutal killing streak across his hometown of Brightburn, Kansas. He eviscerates his family’s chickens, the mother of his childhood crush/best friend, several police officers, his own relatives, and finally, a passenger plane. In the end credits of the film, Brandon is revealed to be continuing his rampage across the U.S. with seemingly no way to stop him.

Another major hint of Brandon’s true nature comes earlier in the film in Brandon’s science class. Brandon describes how a species of parasitic wasp lays their eggs in other nests. The students respond by teasing Brandon for being a nerd, but this moment is further alluding to Brandon being sent to Earth for the purpose of taking over the planet.

The Boys Homelander PNG by Metropolis-Hero1125 on DeviantArt

Homelander

First appearing in The Boys comic book series written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Darick Robertson, and later played by Anthony Starr in the Amazon Prime original series of the same name, Homelander is the paragon of heroism. He is the crown jewel of Vought International and dedicated to fighting for the peace, security, and freedom of the United States of America. There’s just one problem…

It’s all a lie.

These stories of a Clark Kent-like upbringing are fed to the public by Vought’s expert PR team. The sad reality is that, as a human infant, Homelander was subjected to experiments involving Compound-V: the volatile, superpower-gifting serum created by Vought scientists. With the goal of creating the world’s greatest superhero, Vought bred Homelander to be the ultimate weapon. But, they neglected to teach him lessons in empathy, humility, and modesty. Which has resulted in the arrogant, narcissistic, man-child that is Homelander.

Among the most heinous crimes (that we know of) Homelander has commited are the attack of Rebecca Butcher (wife of Homelander’s arch-nemisis Billy Butcher), intentionally letting a plane full of innocent people crash just so he could convinvce the government to allow “supes” in the military, and teaming up with the superpowered-nazi Stormfront.

As despicable a creature Homelander is, he was not born evil. Remember, Homelander was never raised with loving parents, nor was he ever surrounded by friends. In the lab, he was constantly forced to impress his superiors, which is why Homelander is always seeking admiration from the public and why he goes berserk when he doesn’t receive it. When you boil it down, Homelander is the result of decades of loveless scientists and barbaric experiments.

***

I’m pretty sure that we’ve all imagined what it would be like to have superpowers. I know I have. It’s pretty jarring to see how different people have used Superman’s powers, whether it’s for lawful good or chaotic evil. I think it’s interesting to learn about how different artists have twisted our understanding of a heroic paragon.

Alternate Realities Editor: Hannah Hall

Sources:

Foods From Far-Off Worlds

by 1 Comment

Alternate Realities mean many different things to our on-site bloggers. Some take a fantastical interpretation, while others venture into more concrete topics. Writer Elizabeth decides to take inspiration from YouTube’s Good Mythical Morning’s “Alternate Universe Snacks Taste Test” and discusses her favorite parallel universe snacks. –Alternate Realities Editor Hannah Hall

By Elizabeth Shay

Good Mythical Morning (GMM) is a YouTube series hosted by Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, which first aired in 2012. The channel posts daily videos, and now has 17 million subscribers and over 7 billion views (Wikipedia). When Hannah proposed the theme of “Alternate Realities,” I was reminded of a series that the GMM channel creates: Alternate Universe Snacks Taste Test. Here are three of my favorite snacks from the GMM parallel world.


Freezin’ Cold Cheetos

You know Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, the concerningly red-orange snack that stains your fingers when you eat them? In another universe, they don’t exist and are replaced by their counterpart: Freezin’ Cold Cheetos. These chips are a bright, icy-blue color and instead of hot spice, are marked by minty coolness. 

Freezin’ Cold Cheetos have not been created yet, but if you are feeling adventurous and want a variation from your typical chip, consider trying Sweetos (sweet Cheetos) or international flavors such as Strawberry and Avocado!

Giant Deborah

Traditional Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies are unheard of by those living in a parallel world. Instead, the delicious treat is bigger and better. Literally. Little Debbie becomes Giant Deborah Oatmeal Creme Pie, and pies become a singular pie in the alternate world. As for this fictional snack, it gets a thumbs up from me. Who wouldn’t want to double, or more than double, the fun with a supersize version of a sweet treat!

Cursed Charms

Finally, instead of the cheerful Lucky Charms cereal that kids know and love, the other world contains something a little more…gloomy. Forget the bright colors of Lucky Charms marshmallows. Instead, open a box of Cursed Charms, characterized by a distinct black color and complete with an ominous scroll containing a curse. I can’t speak to the taste, as this hasn’t been brought to our dimension yet, but I think Cursed Charms would be a hit around Halloween season. 

It is always fun to explore the possibility of differing universes and consider what could be. There could be an alternate version of yourself reading this article at this very moment! But would you try any of these special snacks that just might be your parallel self’s favorite treat?

Alternate Realities Editor: Hannah Hall

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Mythical_Morning

What if Women Ruled the World?

by 2 Comments

Editor Hannah has decided she is sick of the world, for the moment. Her feelings of restlessness and curiosity sparked the theme of “Alternate Realities,”  which she defines as “Any reality that is not our own—currently.” Writer Sara offers a journey through a Women-Run World. Will you take the ride?

By Sara Habibipour

Since March is Women’s History Month and we’re talking about alternate realities, what would life be like if we women ruled the world? Some would say that money and power corrupt anyone (and I’m sure it would), but would anything change for the better? 

Studies show that women lead differently than men. They’re more likely to be collaborative, inclusive, and team-oriented (BBC). 

The benefits of these female characteristics have been evident in global economic growth. In 2013, women were responsible for $20 trillion in spending, which grew to $28 trillion in 2014 (BBC). Women are also expected to spend money differently. With more money, women are more likely to start businesses that hire other women, and thus, the entire community prospers.

Also, it is predicted that there would be less children in the world if women ran the world. We’ve seen this trend occur within recent years. A 2002 Harvard Business Review article cited 42% of women in corporate America are childless (hbr.org). As women become CEOs and world leaders, there’s really just not time to rear kids. Also, women don’t have to depend on marriage for financial security; they can go out and be breadwinners themselves. Getting married and having children no longer have to be a primary concern.

Wondering what other people thought about female leaders, I decided to interview some women and men that I know. 

So many countries around the world have benefitted from strong, successful models of women’s leadership. I think *when* women rule the world, there will be more of a reliance on honesty and sincerity and far less bluster. Women are action-oriented. We cross items off our to-do lists. When women rule the world, I think the greatest effects will be in the eyes of the young girls who get to grow up surrounded by images of leaders who look like them.

Ms. Coffey

 If women ruled the world I think we’d have another Cold War. We’re masters of the silent treatment.

Jesse Denyer

I think some of the equality issues would be solved. I think ultimately, though, nothing would change for the worse.

Elizabeth Shay

No one would get in trouble for showing their knees or shoulders when it’s 100 degrees out.

Anonymous Instagram Follower

We sure as hell wouldn’t have the problems patriarchies have faced that’s for sure.

Hambik Madanyan

Let’s just say we wouldn’t be living like modern cavemen.

Isabella Goetschel

No doubt better than what it is. But what would be really cool is if we could rule ourselves so no one ruled the world.

Leo Milmet

If women ruled the world, men would be in a whole lot of trouble.

Andrew Hall

Alternate Realities Editor: Hannah Hall

Sources: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-21661744

https://hbr.org/2002/04/executive-women-and-the-myth-of-having-it-all

Congratulations, Andrew!

by 1 Comment

 Our Palm Valley nominee Andrew Hall was selected as a South Region finalist for the CSF 2021 Seymour Memorial Award!

Ten nominees from the South Region were selected as finalists. As a finalist, Andrew participated in the South Region Seymour Memorial Award Zoom Interview. Here, he’s pictured with his medal. In addition, he was awarded $2,000.

The winners will be announced at the CSF Virtual Awards Presentation on April 17. Each region’s recipient will receive an additional award of $3,000. Good luck, Andrew!

By Sara Habibipour

The Seemingly Impossible Great Wall of China

by Leave a Comment

Hannah wrote about the unlikely feat that is the creation of the Great Wall of China. The astonishing achievement was completed with no modern technology. To think that the longest and tallest wall in the world was built 2500 years ago is truly mind boggling. –Architectural Achievements Editor: Roman Rickwood

By Hannah Hall

Most of you, if not all, have heard of the Great Wall of China. But, you probably only know it is an ancient wall in China that is still standing today. Wouldn’t you like to know more? Wouldn’t you like to know the history?? If you do want to know more, read on.

The Great Wall’s history starts in the Warring States period of China in the Zhou Dynasty (nearly 2500 years ago). China’s feudal lords began to build a wall to protect the dynasty from barbarians and intruders. This wall, however, wasn’t anywhere near ginormous. In fact, the wall wasn’t even a wall; it was multiple tiny walls! These small sections were individually constructed by different states as shields from potential conquerors. The cohesive building of a stronger and longer wall began later in the Qin Dynasty. Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified the states in 221 BCE (history.com). And now that they were unified, they had many natural barriers such as the Tibetan Plateau and Pacific Ocean. But, to the north, there were only mountains to act as protection—which was not enough. The emperor then started to enlist soldiers, criminals, and peasants to connect many of the small walls that were built previously. That wall became known as the “Long Wall.” At this point, the wall was nearly 3,100 miles long! (history.com)

Mongol invasion

The Qin Dynasty merged into the Han Dynasty. They did not add much to the wall in length, but when they inherited the wall they realized it needed some work. So, they fortified it and acted out serious refurbishments. During the same time of this fortification, the Silk Road came about. Chinese Diplomat and Trader Zhan Qian opened this route to trade with other countries and empires such as Rome, Persia, India, and Greece. As this trade flourished, wars began, and the Wall weakened. Then somewhere along the line in the 1200s, the Mongols invaded and destroyed many entry points in the wall. 

Flashing forward, time went on, and more dynasty sponsored reparations and lengthening projects occurred. China’s importance and competitiveness as an empire rose and fell multiple times which led to the construction of the Wall also being sporadic and inconsistent. Then, in the 14th century, the Ming Dynasty worked on the Wall again, which failed; the Manchu invaded in the 17th century. The Qing Dynasty came into power and realized that communication was probably a better solution to peace than a wall. And since there was no use for the Wall, it fell into disrepair. Finally, the last restoration of the Wall occurred. The Great Wall of China was restored under Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s. Since then, it has held up. And, today, you can witness the Wall itself in China, all 13,000 miles of it. 

You can visit the Great Wall today.

Although the Wall may not be used for the same purposes as it was in its prime, we can still observe the feat that it is. It is architecturally astounding! I hope this little history lesson leads you to dive deeper into more ancient architecture. There are bridges, buildings, and even forts out there! Get searching, and get learning. 

Editor: Roman Rickwood

Sources:

https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-china/great-wall-of-china

https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-middle-east/silk-road