General Interest
The Menendez Brothers’ Fight
By Afra Noor
It is 11:47 PM on Sunday, August 20, 1989. The neighborhood is unaware of the impending calamity in Beverly Hills. A frantic 911 call from the home of entertainment executive Jose Menendez summoned detectives Butkus and Czarnocki to 722 Elm Drive. Inside, the lifeless bodies of Jose and his wife, Louise (Kitty), lay on the floor. However, it would not be until a year later that their two sons, Lyle and Erik Menendez, then ages 21 and 18, were arrested and, in 1996, convicted of first-degree murder.
Why did it take seven months to arrest the brothers? Detectives Butkus and Czarnocki were stumped by various theories and suspicions. One major concern was the brothers' frequent spending sprees almost immediately after the murders. Despite the family’s luxury lifestyle, the brothers inherited millions more. “The estate Jose and Kitty left was valued at $14 million; Lyle and Erik would each inherit about $2 million after loans and taxes were subtracted,” according to crimelibrary.org.
The final blow came from a taped confession to their psychiatrist. According to crimemuseum.org, Erik, who was more psychologically distressed by his actions, confided in Dr. Oziel . Although the therapy sessions continued, the brothers were eventually arrested—allegedly after the psychiatrist’s mistress turned them in following a breakup.
After the first trial in 1993, no verdict was reached. Leslie Abramson, representing the Menendez brothers, argued that both brothers were allegedly sexually abused by their father. However, due to a lack of evidence, according to pbs.org, “many details in their story of sexual abuse were (later) not permitted in the second trial”. According to pbs.org, the prosecutors argued that “the brothers were after their parents’ multimillion-dollar estate”. Ultimately, their legal efforts to prevent conviction ceased in 1996, when both were sentenced to life in prison without parole. Today, they have each served approximately 35 years in custody.
Since the 1990s, the Menendez brothers' case has captivated the public with its emotional and stirring elements, largely due to extensive media coverage. This sparked controversy, as many believed sensationalism overshadowed the legal arguments, especially in a media-saturated society. Nevertheless, the case has raised awareness about the handling of abuse and psychological issues, thus shifting societal views towards victims of sexual abuse and increasing interest in the Menendez brothers’ story.
In 2023, the case was reopened by Los Angeles District Attorney Gascón as a result of new resentencing laws in California. According to npr.org, Gascón emphasized the need for the brothers to be recognized as victims, stating that “they have paid their debt to society”.
With the popularity of the new Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and the documentary The Menendez Brothers, the case continues to reach and fascinate international audiences. Due to overwhelming public advocacy and claims of new evidence, the Menendez brothers are reportedly under review for a possible release on parole and potentially a new sentence. After decades of legal challenges, the brothers continue to seek a chance for release.
Similarities in Diversity : Different Cultures in Families
By Tazrian Taimur
All families share unique cultures and practices. Young people learn traditions from their parents and grandparents, building a bond between the person sharing the culture and the person learning it. Passed down for generations, traditions can spread and become popular, influencing personalities along the way. According to Maryville University’s Cultural Influences on Child Development, “Culture can affect how children build values, language, belief systems, and an understanding of themselves as individuals and as members of society.”
Everyone comes from different backgrounds, which may be specific to where their family originates. This includes various religions, practices, clothing, foods, and more. Cultural diversity within family dynamics is essential because it influences how a family operates. As stated by Maryville University in Cultural Influences on Child Development, “Parents’ cultural influences can impact how they discipline a child’s behavior. This, in turn, can affect a child’s development, particularly if those methods of discipline differ from the dominant cultural tradition.”
At Bayside High School, many students practice unique cultures and traditions with their families. Bayside High School sophomore Maria Katsigeorgis shared her experiences as a Greek Orthodox. She explained how children are introduced to traditional folk and other types of music. Regarding food, she said, “The Greek kitchen has something for everyone, from stuffed vegetables to various types of seasoned meats roasted on a spit (a long rod used to rotate and cook food over a fire).”
Similarly, Guadalupe Vazquez, a sophomore at Bayside High School described how Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and mentioned enjoying traditional foods like tamales and arroz con leche (rice with milk).
Representing Nigerian culture, another sophomore, Abijah Fleetwood, shared that they are part of the Yoruba tribe and spoke Yoruba. They noted that the Osun festival, which celebrates the river goddess of fertility, is recognized by people from various countries, including those in Europe, Brazil, and Cuba.
In a Bangladeshi household, there is immense pride in customs and religion. With 91% of Bangladeshis being Muslim, Eid and Ramadan are key cultural events. Bayside High School freshman Tazkia Taimur explained that people gather with family and friends to celebrate two Eids: Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, which involves the sacrifice of an animal in God’s name. Additionally, they celebrate the Bengali New Year, known as Pohela Boishakh, with colorful festivities.
In Chinese culture, as described by Yi Chen Wang, a sophomore at Bayside, parents and elders give red envelopes to younger children, symbolizing luck. All these diverse traditions and holidays bring families together and allow people to connect with and learn more about their culture.
Overall, it can be said that different cultures can affect families differently depending on relationships, how a person grows, and certain things they learn throughout their life.
Eczema - A Widespread Condition in Dermatology
By Avni Kant
Whether you were like the ancient Egyptians who used tar to treat wounds, or today’s generation, which uses a variety of products, we are all connected to the study of dermatology. Dermatology is a branch of medicine that explores the functions and treatments of the skin.
One specific condition, eczema, was first recognized in 1818. Physicians Robert Willan and Thomas Bateman coined the term eczema (pronounced eg-ZUH-ma) to describe a blistering rash. Known today as atopic dermatitis, eczema is the inflammation of the skin. The article “Eczema: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatments”, by the Cleveland Clinic, states that “Over 31 million Americans have eczema. Infants are prone to eczema, and 10% to 20% will have it.” This highlights eczema's widespread and significant role in dermatology. Unfortunately, this condition cannot be cured and is chronic for many, though it can be alleviated through various treatments.
Today’s researchers have found scientific options to aid eczema sufferers. According to WebMD, “Eczema Latest Research” by Stephanie Watson, researchers have linked mutations in important genes like FLG and KIF3A to a weakened skin barrier, which allows bacteria to seep in. This can cause itchiness due to environmental changes such as temperature fluctuations and bacterial exposure. Dermatologists and scientists have found new treatments beyond traditional medical creams like steroids. According to “Dupilumab - Eczema Treatment” by the National Eczema Society, injections like Dupixent (a biologic drug known as a monoclonal antibody) help block two chemicals in the immune system that contribute to the inflammatory process in eczema.
Bayside High School senior Jazmine Garcia commented, “As a participant in an ongoing clinical trial at the Icahn School of Medicine, I undergo monthly treatments where I get Dupixent injections. Not only has my skin gotten a lot better, but it has significantly reduced the redness and inflammation.” These FDA-approved injections have improved patient outcomes for those dealing with skin irritation and eczema. Alongside medical prescriptions, natural treatments and skincare products like aloe vera gel, Aquaphor, Vaseline, and CeraVe can be easily incorporated into a daily routine, especially for those with mild eczema.
On a personal note, eczema has impacted my life and experiences as well. Whether it was the heat blasting in my apartment or indulging in my favorite spicy foods, my eczema would flare up on my hands, legs, arms, or scalp. To manage it, I used prescription medications like scalp drops and ointments from my dermatologist. When these weren't sufficient, I turned to natural methods. I applied ice, used aloe vera gel, modified my diet (reducing spicy and acidic foods), and frequently swam in the ocean, which helped calm my skin. These lifestyle changes have kept my skin calmer and reduced my need to wake up in the middle of the night due to discomfort.
Garcia shared her story, stating, “I try my best to minimize all of my routines… I tend to emphasize ‘sensitive-skin friendly’ products and use multiple ointments such as Vaseline, Aquaphor, and A&D.” Despite her severe eczema, she incorporates skincare suited for her condition, alongside prescription medication.
Eczema, a common focus in dermatology, is still being extensively studied by dermatologists, researchers, and scientists. Although there is no cure, prescribed treatments, skincare routines, and lifestyle changes can greatly improve inflammation. Everyone’s skin is unique, and we each have our own ways of achieving healthy, glowing skin—whether or not we have eczema.
