Cookie Monster’s First Appearance Since 2008

By: Shriya Beesabathuni

We all love the Cookie Monster, but his last appearance was in 2008, or was it? Would you believe it if I said that he was spotted at MUNUM XXXIII? Saturday, January 18, 2020, the Cookie Monster was spotted in a committee at the MUNUM conference. This committee will stay un-named as the Cookie Monster will be at risk if the committee is revealed. In short, the Cookie Monster was spotted when an IPC member was looking for a good story. While in the committee room, the IPC member noticed something suspicious as a delegate was secretly covering their mouth, mid-committee. In order to inspect further, the IPC member moved closer. They soon realized that the delegate was reaching behind and below their chair to get one of their hands in a bag. The bag contained, you guessed it, cookies. Keep in mind, these cookies were not theirs. The Cookie Monster gained a new friend as the delegate soon returned to their place in their committee and gave the large bag of cookies to the Cookie Monster. Not only are these iconic sweet treats the favorite dessert of the Cookie Monster, but they are also perfectly baked with each unique ingredient that makes them the most-loved snack, just like all the unique delegates make MUNUM the most-loved conference of all time. 

Delegate Dance: Go Back or All Whack?

By: Shriya Beesabathuni 

The delegate dance was an experience with drastically different perspectives in the minds of delegates vs the minds of the staff. During committee, many chairs and directors emphasized that the dance is the best, and most hype time of MUNUM. Delegates, on the other hand, were skeptical of the quality of the dance.

Starting off, the dance was very dry, like, drier than the Atacama desert, the driest desert on earth, with two people on the dance floor. Then, the dance started to pick up as more delegates moved to the dance floor. The dance got hype, and then slowed down, picked up, slowed down, and this pattern continued. Many issues arose during the dance, including the song choices: the selection shied away from a newer setlist, in favor of songs from the early 2000s. There was also limited space to dance as it was hosted in a banquet hall, on a dancefloor enclosed by tables.

In other areas, less intense activities such as Kahoot trivia, and a movie provided a quieter environment. These toned-down activities were with smaller groups. 

The dance overall guaranteed a fun time with fellow delegates, even if you were sitting in the corner with your delegation, or living it up in the mosh pit.

Icons at MUNUM XXXIII

By: Shriya Beesabathun

Fashion is an expression, a motivator, an icon. This column will address the most iconic MUNUM XXXIII outfits, that could also be considered great acts of clout. During the opening ceremony, Drew, one of the secretariats, truly made a statement when he popped off in a classy floral blazer. The colors in the blazer perfectly complimented his skin tone and made him a true icon. 

Similarly, the director of the International Press Corps, Kelly, made a statement with her elegant appearance in a white turtleneck and blazer. She accompanied this sleek look with black plaid pants. Then, she paired the look with a sleek low bun, with a few pieces of hair out to frame her face, and vibed with a maroon lip. Now, are you an icon?

High Energy During Energy Reform Talks in the US Senate

By: Shriya Beesabathuni

During a recent United States Senate meeting, 43 US senators were present during a debate discussing energy reform. 47% of the senators have affiliated with the democratic party and 53% of the senators were republican. Senators discussed the pressing issue of energy reform. Senators were passionate and diligent while listening to others. 

Many contrasting ideas were present during this meeting including the contrast on the opinions regarding nuclear energy. Johnny Isakson, a Republican senator stated, “I believe nuclear is the best option” as it produces more energy. Opposingly, Senator Tim Kaine, who represents the democratic party does not agree with Isakson’s statement. Kaine believes that nuclear energy, despite high efficiency, creates toxic waste that harms citizens. His state, Virginia, has been affected by a nuclear reactor as it polluted the air causing citizens to receive health issues, this nuclear reactor was the only one present in the state. Kaine continued to state that other forms of energy, such as wind, solar and hydro, will be more effective and safe for citizens. The senator concluded by expressing a slow transition from nuclear energy to other, safer forms, the production of energy will be less harmful and more effective. During the discussion on nuclear energy, there was a trend across the senate, with most Republican senators supporting the use of nuclear energy and most democratic senators doing the opposite.

As time passed by, the energy continued to increase while the discussion shifted to a brief discussion led by Democratic Senator Brian Schatz. This discussion consisted of talks regarding coal and oil. Schatz started off by stating that the development of a new energy source is in need, as coal and oil will soon run out. Coal and oil are both fundamental, as they provide an immense amount of energy.  If these substances run out, Schatz says, that there will be large losses in the economy, as jobs will be lost and monetary loss will also occur. Overall, Schatz believes that a foundation for a new energy source should be placed. 

In essence, the United States Senate is working hard to find a solution to the pressing issue concerning energy reform. As stated by Republican Senator, Richard Shelby, the United States senate represents all 50 states that this great nation leads forward. The discussions regarding energy reform have maintained a high level of energy as many clashing ideas are present. Despite this, senators are attempting to stay bipartisan for the development and improvement of the United States. 

I spy… TEA

By: Shriya Beesabathuni

There are currently hectic tensions growing between the two JCC committees: Kyiv and Separatists. Suspense in both sessions is high, and crisis drops are increasing by the minute. The crisis drop that shook the world was the discovery of SPIES in each room. These spies have proved themselves to be very impressive in their tactics and they have not cracked under pressure. Delegates believe that these spies are not working for themselves however, it is important that they are all aware of what is going on. 

As stated before, there are two Spies. The crises are also concerned with the actions of the other rooms. There are multiple suspicions afoot, these have led others to get nervous and the behavior of the room has drastically differed. 

During the meeting, the Separatists had a round table discussion regarding their innocence. During this discussion, many delegates claimed their innocence by using the notes taken in the committee. On the contrary, delegates mentioned that many notes have been recycled, this suspicion caused confusion. Much of the committee is confused actually, many delegates are not informed on who or what has happened during unmoderated caucuses. For example, some delegates were not even aware that there were two moles. 

They ask who the moles are but they should be asking, how can a press manager be silent? Is there nobody to question? Why are they sending so much back to the other room? Why does a wealthy businessman have so much personal interest in the topic?