The Spark

Israel’s military says about 1,400 people have been killed since Hamas militants mounted a surprise attack on southern Israel October 7th.  Hamas is a Palestinian Islamic political party and connected militant group that has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel and other nations. Israeli forces have struck back at Hamas in Gaza with a vengeance since then. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says the war has killed 18,000 including many civilian Palestinians.

Perhaps, no recent conflict has divided the American people and people around the world like this one has. America traditionally is Israel’s biggest ally, but many Americans are critical of Israel’s attacks on Gaza and the violence that victimizes Palestinians.

Rabbi Jack Paskoff is with Congregation Shaarai Shomayim in Lancaster and visited Tel Aviv and Haifa in Israel last week.

On The Spark Wednesday, Rabbi Paskoff talked about the attitude of the Israeli people,"I think what we're seeing now is a loss of confidence in political leadership, but not military leadership. Israel is very proud of the Israel Defense Forces. The vast majority of Israelis serve in the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) at some point. Everyone knows someone who was killed in one of Israel's conflicts. So the institution of the military is still a valued part of Israeli life. I think the loss of confidence was more in the political infrastructure and not in the military one."

Paskoff pointed out that Israelis are dissatified with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who they see as not taking responsibility for a lack of preparation for the attack and casting blame elsewhere.

He also asked Israelis what happens to Gaza after a ceasefire and added it seems President Biden is hoping the Palestinian Authority, which was set up to govern the West Bank in Gaza," It would be wonderful if the Palestinian Authority could exert control over Gaza. I think that is the greatest hope. But I don't believe it's realistic. Could Hamas stay in power in some way? Well, Israel's not even willing to engage in that conversation while there are still over 100 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. So that's where there's a great deal of uncertainty. Who can effectively govern and who can govern in a way that's going to protect the people of Gaza from provoking Israel? Because I do believe, honestly, that it's Hamas that's holding Palestinians hostage. And while Israel is responding, I think the true fault lies with Hamas and the way they have ruled over that territory."

The pro-Palestinian protests have centered on the Israeli response and tactics to the October 7 attack and especially the civilians that have been killed and displaced.  Paskoff addressed that,"There are a lot of innocent people in Gaza. We have heard calls for Israeli restraint. President Biden referred to indiscriminate bombing yesterday. We've heard calls to protect civilian lives. I have not heard from a military expert or a political expert how Israel does that when Hamas is using hospitals and schools (as shields and hideouts)."

"I'm just not hearing an alternative. I'm hearing the criticism, but I'm not hearing an alternative. Is it for Israel to sit by while over 100 Israelis and other foreign nationals are being held hostage? I'm just not sure what the answer is. I mourn the loss of innocent life. There's no question about that. People on both sides of the line have been in my prayers since October 7th."

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Workplaces have implemented changes since the COVID pandemic began almost four years ago. Some give employees more flexibility in hours and tasks.

A new study that Penn State took part in, finds the risk of heart disease was reduced for some workers who were offered more flexibility.

Orfeu Buxton, Professor of Biobehavioral Health and Director of the Sleep, Health & Society Collaboratory at Penn State is co-author of the report and was on The Spark Wednesday,"Our real world workplace intervention was based upon big piles of work that suggested that more flexible workplaces had employees more likely to stick around, more productive and better health. But to test that, we wanted to do a real world workplace intervention designed to really focus on increasing flexibility over time in a way that's really a culture shift. So changing the culture of work to prioritize accomplishing the work needed rather than just time on task. The when and where of work."

The research was conducted on two groups of workers -- white-collar employees in the IT industry and nursing home workers.

The research found job flexibility reduced the cardiometabiolic risk score (probability of a heart attack or stroke over the next 10 years) in those at higher risk for heart problems and for employees over the age of 45.

Buxton said the intervention on the test employees included manager training and working with employees as well,"The idea was to train managers to be more supportive, to bring them awareness of how if they were allowed more flexibility for their employees, they could be more productive. Maybe stick around longer so they're spending less time training new people, less disgruntlement, all the good things of a positive workplace. They just need to contribute to productivity. Good vibes and sticking around. All of those things are created in this supportive manager. But then to have them implemented, it's actually some skills, interpersonal skills, scheduling skills, logistics, understanding HR policies. There's a lot that goes into actually being able to implement flexibility. So we also train them with behavior tracking, helping them to notice when they were flexible or rigid with their employees, trying to focus on the positive things that they did and bring awareness to that and some tracking to that and see that they improve it and show some understanding of the impact. I mean, when you offer flexibility as a manager, often the employees reporting to that manager are appreciative. There can be then a positive virtual cycle that then creates a more healthy workplace culture. So we did that over a couple of months. We also trained some of the employees to understand what flexibility means and how to implement various ideas, like if the commute is really torturous in a particular city or domain, come in a couple hours later and stay a couple hours longer and skip the hour in the car and make it a half hour commute or something like that. Just very simple practical strategies that the employees could share amongst themselves. At the same time, they're changing the culture."

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In the realm of sports, ice hockey stands out as one of the least diverse, with the NHL drawing attention for its overwhelming majority of white players, making up a staggering 97%. The remaining 3% represents a mix of players from various ethnic backgrounds, underscoring the lack of diversity within the sport. Within this demographic, only 34 out of the 1,026 current NHL players are black. In an effort to address this stark imbalance, the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, in collaboration with Dick's Sporting Goods, has launched an initiative to bring young Black hockey players onto the ice, aiming to transform the landscape of the sport. This groundbreaking program, known as the Willie O'Ree Academy, pays homage to the trailblazer who shattered the color barrier in professional hockey.

In a recent USA Today article, the glaring lack of diversity in ice hockey's player demographics is underscored, emphasizing the urgent need for change within the sport. Against this backdrop, the Willie O'Ree Academy emerges as a beacon of progress and inclusivity. Named after the hockey legend who paved the way for Black players in the NHL, the program embodies a commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering a more representative and diverse future for the sport.

To shed light on this transformative initiative, Beth Dolinar, a producer from Pittsburgh's WQED, provides insights into her documentary, "Equity on Ice." This documentary delves into the Pittsburgh Penguins' efforts to cultivate diversity within ice hockey, offering a compelling narrative that goes beyond the statistics. It explores the stories of the young Black hockey players who are part of the Willie O'Ree Academy, highlighting the impact of initiatives aimed at leveling the playing field in a traditionally homogeneous sport.

"Equity on Ice" not only showcases the strides being made by the Pittsburgh Penguins organization but also serves as a rallying cry for broader change within the NHL and the sport of ice hockey at large. By amplifying the voices and experiences of these young athletes, the documentary contributes to a larger conversation about the importance of representation, inclusion, and opportunity in sports.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' partnership with Dick's Sporting Goods underscores the significance of collaboration between sports organizations and corporate entities in driving positive change. The Willie O'Ree Academy serves as a model for other teams and leagues to follow, encouraging them to actively address and rectify the lack of diversity in their respective sports.

As the documentary "Equity on Ice" unfolds, it invites viewers to contemplate the broader implications of diversity and inclusion in sports, challenging preconceived notions and inspiring a vision of a more equitable future for ice hockey. The Willie O'Ree Academy, with its commitment to providing opportunities for young Black players, stands as a testament to the transformative power of initiatives that prioritize diversity, ensuring that the ice hockey rink becomes a space where talent knows no racial or ethnic boundaries.

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In the intricate tapestry of neighborhood life, small corner stores, affectionately known as bodegas, mom-and-pop shops, or convenience stores, serve as vital anchors, playing a substantial role in the overall health and dynamics of their communities. Recent research has illuminated a noteworthy trend: the prevalence of these corner stores is on a steady rise across the United States. Last year, 39 states and Washington D.C. reported an increase in their numbers, reflecting a promising shift.

This surge in convenience and corner stores is attributed, in part, to a notable rise in the number of single-store operators, showcasing a 1.5% increase from the previous year's count. This uptick marks a significant reversal of a four-year decline, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of these small business owners in the face of economic shifts and challenges.

But beyond the statistics lies a deeper question: how important are these corner stores, and what does it take to run one successfully? Exploring these queries, The Spark features Lisa Wigs, the owner of Mr. G's corner store in Lancaster city. Lisa provides invaluable insights into the multifaceted role these small businesses play in fostering community well-being.

Corner stores are not just places to purchase daily necessities; they are community hubs where relationships are forged, and a sense of belonging is cultivated. The increased presence of these establishments signifies a revival of local economies and a reconnection to the essence of neighborhood living.

Running a corner store demands more than business acumen; it requires a deep understanding of the community's pulse. Lisa Wigs shares her experiences, shedding light on the challenges and joys of being a cornerstone in the community. From maintaining a diverse inventory that caters to the varied needs of customers to navigating the intricacies of local preferences, the journey of a corner store owner is one of adaptability and community engagement.

As Lisa unfolds the narrative of Mr. G's corner store, the discussion transcends mere commerce. It becomes a story of resilience, community spirit, and the indispensable role that these small businesses play in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of their neighborhoods. Lisa's experiences serve as a testament to the enduring importance of these establishments, proving that their impact extends far beyond the products they sell.

In the symphony of urban life, corner stores compose a crucial note, contributing to the harmony of a neighborhood. The upward trajectory in their numbers signals not just a business resurgence but a reaffirmation of the significance of community-driven commerce. The Spark's conversation with Lisa Wigs illuminates the vibrant tapestry of corner store culture and underscores the enduring value they bring to the heart of American neighborhoods.

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There still is no cure for the common cold.

Last September – just before the cold and flu season typically starts -- the Food and Drug Administration announced that oral phenylephrine, which is the active ingredient in several name-brand over the counter cold symptom remedies, isn’t effective. It came as a surprise to many who use some Sudafed, Mucinex and Dayquil products when they experience coughs, stuffed or runny noses or sore throats.

On The Spark Monday, Danielle Brigham, an Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, at UPMC Pinnacle Health Medical Group said the FDA announcement wasn't a surprise to pharmacists, but pointed out it is one form of phenylephrine that was judged to be ineffective but the nasal form is effective,"We specifically are discussing the oral formulation not being effective. And so while patients may have been surprised, redirecting them to some other remedies that we do know to be effective, some of which are not even a medication, things like increasing fluids and things like that (to fight a cold).

Dr. Carrie Delone, Medical Director of Internal Medicine at UPMC, indicated multi-sympton cold remedies are popular because of the marketing,"When you look at multi-system symptom cold medications, they're shotgunning every symptom they can think of -- fever, chills, pain, body aches, cough, congestion, mucus, not being able to sleep. These are all of the things that bother you when you have a cold. The most effective part about them is their marketing, because the way they're developed is that they put small doses of many ingredients into their cold medicines. They don't have the same half life. So a half life is how much of that medication is cleared from your body. For how long does it take for half of the medication to be cleared from your body? So all of the the ingredients have different half lives. But they want you to take them every 12 hours. And they tend to put really low doses in there because that's the safety profile they're going for. So you you end up with very expensive, not very helpful cold medicines. And I've always counseled my patients, please don't. Don't go to CVS and pick the pretty box that says it's going to get rid of every symptom because it can't do that. Figure out what it is that's bothering you the most. Is it congestion? Is it a cough? Is it fever? Is it pain? Is it that you can't sleep and then really understand what you're buying? If you can't flip that box over and look at every single ingredient and understand what you're getting, you shouldn't even buy it."

Dr. DeLone was asked the best way to fight a cold,"Rest and fluids. You can use a neti pot, you can use nasal sprays, hot tea and honey. Honey has been found to significantly help with coughs. One of my best friends when I have a cough is a water bottle. Just having sips of water when you're coughing is really helpful. It's something that, you know is uncomfortable. And a lot of times we don't want to have a lot of congestion because nasal congestion can lead to sinus infections, ear infections. So there are reasons why you really don't want to just say, well, just, suck it up and and put up with the pain because we really do want to keep your sinuses draining your tubes open because that can really cause significant issues if we if we don't do that. So we do want something effective and there are medications, But again, there are many groups of people that can't take them. So children under the age of six shouldn't be taking over-the-counter medications -- under four is the recommendation that you'll see on the bottles that many pediatricians don't want children under the age of six taking cold medications or if you're pregnant, if you're breastfeeding. And then there are a vast number of conditions. Heart disease and high blood pressure are all issues that you have to be careful when you have those conditions and you're taking medication."

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The U.S.S. Sailfish was the first American submarine to sink a Japanese aircraft carrier during World War II.

Just after midnight on December 4, 1943 during a typhoon, Sailfish torpedoed the Japanese carrier Chuyo, 250 miles southeast of Tokyo Bay. Several hours later, Sailfish finished off the Chuyo with two more torpedo attacks.

The Sailfish attack on the Chuyo came during a typhoon, so the attack was carried out using radar. Ninty-nine-year-old Bill Dillon, a Pennsylvania native, is the last surviving crew member from Sailfish and was a radio/radar operator on board the submarine. On Monday's The Spark he said,"We were flying blind. If you can picture this -- it is midnight and we saw nothing. All we got was blips. And we fired four torpedoes and hit two. And it was absolutely unbelievable because you've got to recall when we were doing that, the ship was still moving and we had no idea what it was. And we still got it. Hard to believe you can do something like that. It's almost impossible."

Sailfish had a sister submarine that didn’t share it’s success.

Historian Stephen L. Moore has written about both submarines in the new book -- Strike of the Sailfish – Two Sister Submarines and the Sinking of a Japanese Aircraft Carrier and he appeared on The Spark Monday and remembered a chance meeting with Dillon that led to the book,"I ran into Bill on a flight on an airplane a couple of years ago, and I saw the jacket he was wearing and his submarine hat.  I asked him about the Sailfish. I knew some of my submarine history from previous books I've done. And I said, were you on the sailfish when she sank that Japanese carrier? And he said, How do you know that? I said, Well, I know a little bit about it. And he proceeded to tell me there were American P.O.W.s onboard that carrier. And I said, I know. And he said, Unfortunately, most of them perished in the sinking except for one guy. I said, Yeah, George Rocek. He said, Holy cow, how do you know his name? I said, Well, actually, I interviewed him years ago for another project. And he was just astonished. But his daughter Linda basically said, I need to get your email. You guys need to correspond when we get back from this trip overseas. And we did. And Bill was kind enough to share a lot of his memories and help put me in touch with other shipmates, family members who contributed to the story."

Moore writes in the book about the numerous times Japanese ships sank depth charges to try to destroy or at least damage Sailfish. Dillon described the sub as a sitting duck while the depth charges were being sent toward them,"Picture this now. When you're submerged and we're on batteries now and we are only going about 2 to 3 knots, sometimes down to one knot. And the way we kept the boat stabilized, we could not run any pumps to move water back and forth. What we did, we passed people back and forth and in order to stabilize the boat (by weight distribution). We'd say, Well, then forward six men and three men stagger. In other words, we were transferring guys back and forth to stabilize the boat so that we didn't make any noise. And so when we're going so slow, we could not do anything to to get away from it. We had to just stay there and take it. And it was not easy. Was not easy, believe me. We got depth charges and we started taking out water. We used buckets back and forth that would stabilize boats. We couldn't turn the pumps on. And there was no panic whatsoever among the crew. Every one of those guys knew exactly what we were doing and why we were doing it and how we're doing it."

After sinking Chuyo, Dillon and Sailfish went on a few more missions before the war ended On V-J Day (Victory over Japan) August 14,1945, Sailfish sailed into the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The submarine was decommissioned on October 27, 1945.

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Highlights from the past week!

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The Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D) is breaking traditional educational boundaries with its innovative intergenerational classes and the introduction of Parents + Me art classes scheduled for the winter term. Embracing a unique approach to learning, these programs aim to foster creativity and artistic expression while bringing together individuals from different age groups.

The intergenerational classes at PCA&D create a dynamic learning environment by merging students of various ages and backgrounds. This inclusive approach not only encourages the exchange of ideas but also provides a platform for different generations to collaborate and inspire one another. The courses cover a spectrum of artistic disciplines, allowing participants to explore and refine their creative skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Adding an extra layer of connection, PCA&D is launching Parents + Me art classes this winter, inviting parents to join their children in artistic exploration. This initiative is designed to strengthen familial bonds through shared creative experiences, fostering communication and mutual inspiration. The classes are tailored to accommodate both parents and children, ensuring a harmonious balance between guided learning and personal expression.

Both intergenerational and Parents + Me classes at PCA&D exemplify the institution's commitment to cultivating a diverse and inclusive learning community. By providing these distinctive opportunities, the college not only enriches the educational experience but also reinforces the belief that art has the power to bridge generational gaps and create lasting connections. As winter approaches, PCA&D's innovative programs promise a season of collaborative learning and artistic exploration for participants of all ages.

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As winter break approaches, college students are being advised to embrace a season of rest and prioritize mental well-being. KeLonni Dawkins, a rising junior at Millersville University, sheds light on the importance of taking it easy during the break and focusing on mental health.

Dawkins emphasizes the significance of self-care, urging fellow students to use the winter break as an opportunity to recharge and destress. With the academic pressures of the semester behind them, students are encouraged to engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, whether it's spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying moments of solitude.

The interview with Dawkins highlights the often-overlooked aspect of mental health, especially during a time when societal expectations may pressure students to be constantly productive. Winter break, Dawkins suggests, should be a time for reflection, rejuvenation, and personal growth.

Acknowledging the challenges that the academic year might have presented, Dawkins advocates for students to be kind to themselves and recognize the resilience they've shown. By allowing space for introspection and self-compassion, students can pave the way for a healthier mindset as they approach the upcoming semester.

In essence, the message from Dawkins and others resonates as a reminder that winter break is more than a hiatus from classes; it's an opportunity for students to prioritize their mental health, find balance, and return to their academic pursuits with a refreshed perspective. As colleges empty for the break, the focus shifts from assignments to individual well-being, marking a crucial period for self-care and personal reflection.

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Vincent Derek Smith, a dedicated community leader, has been making a positive impact for over a decade through his renowned Drill Team, the Infamous Unstoppables. Founded over 10 years ago, this Drill Team has become a beacon of discipline, teamwork, and artistic expression for its members.

Smith's commitment to fostering a sense of community and support goes beyond the drill routines. This holiday season, he is organizing an "Adopt-a-Drill Team Member Christmas Gift Drive" to bring joy to the young participants of his team. Recognizing the challenges many families face, especially during the holidays, Smith's initiative aims to ensure that every member of the Drill Team experiences the warmth of the season.

The gift drive is a testament to Smith's dedication to not only honing the drill skills of his team but also nurturing their well-being and creating a sense of belonging. As he orchestrates this heartwarming effort, Smith underscores the importance of community support and the role it plays in the holistic development of the young drill team members.

Under Smith's leadership, the Infamous Unstoppables have become more than just a performance group—they are a tight-knit community where members find mentorship, guidance, and a second family. The Christmas gift drive reflects Smith's belief in the power of small gestures to make a significant impact on the lives of these young individuals, fostering a sense of unity and care that extends beyond the drill team performances.

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