Physarum polycephalum is a single-celled organism that is often mistaken for a fungus. These myxomycetes are more commonly known as slime molds. Slime molds are amoebae that are remarkably similar to various fungi, which is why they were classified as such for many years. They release spores to reproduce, exist in damp areas, often on mulch in gardens, and grow off of dead plant material just like a fungus. However, while fungi produce enzymes that help break down dead plant

Hammering a stake into the cliff's edge, you clip your harness to a new rope. Shuffling towards the edge, you sit down on the edge as the snow around you slides off the edge and falls. You lower yourself onto the cliff wall and begin sliding down the rope. As you get to your partner's harness, you see that it looks like it was attacked; a large slash cuts the side of the harness in half. There's a trail of red leading to a cave, as you go to take a closer look, I realize it i

The plant for this native plant highlight is the beautiful Kolea Lau Nui, Myrsine lessertiana. Plant Description Kōlea Lau Nui is an endemic tree that grows in dry, mesic, and, more commonly, wet forests at elevations between 700 and 4,000 feet. It grows on all of the main Hawaiian islands. Kōlea Lau Nui can reach heights of 60 feet, but are usually found growing shorter than this. They typically grow very straight and have light gray bark. They have dark green leaves, though

Wanted They gathered food and supplies from nearby shops, then prepared to travel back to Trilliah. Rienna figured she'd let Mæri know about the caves and ask her for directions back to Vieryen. They traveled along the lake again and reached Mæri’s house just a couple hours before dusk. Despite having hiked all day, Rienna was feeling much better and could tell her magic was about halfway replenished. Xio in one hand, Rienna raised an arm and knocked on the door. A moment lat

I remind you of a time,  running through the hills and dips  of the park—past. The grass still wet, the earth soft  enough  to forgive your steps. Hesitating over the bridge, as I once did, fingers grazing over the wooden railing. Knowing once you cross it  something will already be different.  Sitting in the sun that feeling arises again,  settling into every vessel of your body. Every muscle tightening and loosening all at once, almost  embracing the encapsulation  of how y

Maybe I should stop kneading bread I cannot eat, pressing my hands into the dough folding into its weight it can’t hold. some loaves burn on the edges, the crumbs stick to my hand, baking, a science I simply just don’t understand. I wait for it to rise, patiently watching, but it never stays. some loaves burn completely, blackened bitterness surround the crisp middle, the edges stick to the pan forever. Others collapse under their own weight, soft centers folding in. one loaf

This song was recorded and mixed in late December during songwriting class with Mr. Naj, after we worked on it between fall break and winter break. That time was spent writing, revising, and trying out different instrumental and melodic ideas until the song took shape. The lyrics were written by me, with guitar by Aria Smith. Aria and I are both seniors, and we wanted to capture a song that reflects what it feels like to be on the edge of leaving as we enter our final semeste

The members of Parker Press are very proud to announce the November member of the month: Angela McDonald '27 Angela's articles range from additions to our In Defense Of series to photo series, and we couldn't be happier to give her this title. Her pieces are filled with an opinion that is both eccentric and thoughtful, offering us a truly refreshing level of authenticity. Thank you so much, Angela, for your commitment to the publication—we cannot wait to read (or watch!) you

Introduction Hey again, you know the drill: Find any flat surface and a utensil that you can manipulate pigment with; I’m using a pencil and paper, but you can use practically anything.  This article covers texture detail and is a related sequel to what we learned in How to Draw Part 1, which is also posted here on Parker Press. I would recommend that tutorial first, but that is also the beauty of free will. I want you to look around at your environment right now. Zero in on

Mint chocolate chip has always been one of those ice cream flavors that is either loved or hated. People strangely seem to feel confident about hating such a delicacy. It is more than just a dessert, though. It is an idea about what we should think and value. It is undeniable proof that some of us have taste buds evolved a little above the average human. That group is also strong enough to survive the slander from people who simply can’t admit the truth. Mint chocolate chip i

How did people in the 1500s build complex, giant, seaworthy ships without machinery, using only their hands and a few simple tools? During the 16th and 17th centuries, there was a flurry of people rushing across seas looking for treasure to bring back to their kingdoms. Any boats used on these journeys had to be able to withstand months on open ocean, hold enough supplies for the crew, and store whatever treasures or slaves they took on their voyage. The people who built thes

Solar flares can contain as much energy as a billion hydrogen bombs. They are intense explosions of light and matter from the Sun and occur almost daily. Solar flares are measured by their intensity, in a similar manner to earthquakes, each level being ten times stronger than the last.  The weakest flares, the ones that don’t really affect Earth, are labeled A, B, and C, with A being the weakest. Ten times stronger than C is M. M-class solar flares can cause radio blackouts i