the westminster news
Published by the students of Westminster School
By Allen Zhou ’23
Apple’s recent product launch once again displayed its capability of churning out new gadgets every September. However, capturing my attention were two conflicting narratives about Apple Inc.’s action on user data. On Apple’s Chinese storefront, a customer does not have to look very far to see an image stating in Mandarin: “We strive to protect your personal information, that is very iPhone”. Yet, as an article in the New York Times revealed, Apple has made several major concessions to the Chinese government to remain within China’s lucrative market. Evidently, despite Apple's dominance of the global smartphone industry and its status as one of the most valuable companies in the world, it still has to bend over backward for the newly minted world power: China. By Heather Zhu ’23
The Wall Street Journal Investigation has published the Facebook Files Series, drawn upon thousands of pages of inside documents and former employee interviews, condemning the company’s corruption. By Grace Yuan ’23
Abstract Although the reform implemented by Tiberius Gracchus failed, it is of great historical importance because it reveals the corrupted nature of the Roman republic while taking socioeconomic background into consideration to predict the downfall of Rome. The downfall of Tiberius Gracchus has primarily resulted from the majority of the senators whose interests were against the reform measures because the benefits for the majority were built on the loss of the senators. As a result, the Senate refused to accept changes of any sort and rejected an opening advancement proposed to improve the welfare of the people, leading to the tragedy of the death of Tiberius Gracchus. It is noteworthy to reexamine the legacy in addition to the reform of Tiberius Gracchus because it resembles the mistrust and clash between different social classes in contemporary society. By Ryan Jainchill ’23
Week four of the 2021 NFL Season featured many key divisional games and high-scoring contests. However, the return of former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to Gillette Stadium — now as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — overshadowed all. The game was one of the most anticipated regular-season games in recent memory. Brady, who won six Super Bowls with the Patriots and one with Tampa Bay last season, was facing off against his former head coach, legendary Bill Belichick. Before the game, much narrative focused on ‘Brady vs. Belichick’ and how their deteriorating relationship supposedly led Brady out of New England and towards Bruce Arians’ Buccaneers. This game was the first time Brady and Belichick had faced off on separate sides. Brady left a legacy of championships and glory in New England and went to Tampa and won the franchise’s first Super Bowl since 2004, while the Patriots headed in the opposite direction. By Lara Connor ’22
“She’ll make it.” Nic wasn’t sure why his search for relief led to no avail. Perhaps it was dehydration, that hours of brewing terror may take longer than mere seconds to unquench, or the waiting room’s jealous eyes that befell his broken posture. Nic wasn’t proud when he reached his hand out for Annabella’s — only to feel the engagement ring that wasn’t his Grandmothers — and instinctively pull away. Annabella wished that he’d get over himself for Kate, who needed more than just to make it. By Keegan Bankoff ’22
An unusual season filled with game cancellations, shortened schedules, and countless COVID-19 exposures put college football in an abnormal situation in 2020. Players and coaches alike were frustrated without the presence of their fans, saying it was difficult to keep momentum and spirits high without constant cheers and chants. However, that has changed this year, as most universities are allowing and pushing for full-capacity stadiums; something many thought would be impossible just a year ago. Though these measures may bring up health concerns as many still neglect the threat of the virus that has ravaged our country, the college football world seems to be back in full swing. The game itself, however, may be taking a different course. By Serin Lee ’22
The Nobel Prizes are six separate prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace and Economics. Often recognized as the greatest recognition one could get in those areas, the prize is awarded to those who have “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” |