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The Student Voice of North Allegheny Senior High School

The Uproar

The Student Voice of North Allegheny Senior High School

The Uproar

The Student Voice of North Allegheny Senior High School

The Uproar

Michael Taffe

Michael Taffe, Technical Director

Michael Taffe is a senior and a veteran member of the NASH Uproar. He enjoys writing about politics, current events, and memes. In addition to the Uproar, Michael is involved in Model United Nations and Marching Band.

 

All content by Michael Taffe
Minecraft Dungeons Review

Minecraft Dungeons Review

Michael Taffe, Technical Director June 4, 2020

Minecraft is the world’s best-selling game ever, by a long shot. The next closest title is Grand Theft Auto V, 70 million units behind Minecraft at 130 million sales. Now, Mojang, the company behind...

People of color are protesting because unjust systems have given them no other option.

The Actual Hypocrisy in America

Michael Taffe, Technical Director June 4, 2020

On June 1st, an article was published on The Uproar’s sister site, NAEye, titled “Hypocrisy in America.” The three things I agree with in this article are the title, the writer’s anger at the brutal...

Fiscally, the nation is careening toward disaster, but options for recovery still remain.

First the Cure, Then the Bill

Michael Taffe, Technical Director May 7, 2020

Right now, as I begin to write this article, the United States National Debt is $24,864,960,266,299. By the time anyone reads this, that number tens of millions of dollars below what that new number is....

Biden's strength as a candidate in the general election may hinge on the person he chooses to run alongside.

His Most Important Decision

Michael Taffe, Technical Director April 17, 2020

With Bernie Sanders' withdrawal from the presidential race, Joe Biden has no foreseeable obstacles to the Democratic nomination. That path has cleared, but the one to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue remains murky....

Monday Update / Remote Week 4

Michael Taffe and Katie Golden April 14, 2020

This week, Katie and Michael discuss scheduling changes as well as North Allegheny's new Pass/Fail Policy.

A record number of seniors have acutally turned to doing their homework in response to the onset of colossal boredom.

Bored beyond belief, NASH seniors take drastic measures

Michael Taffe and Katie Golden April 1, 2020

***As the dateline would suggest, the following article is an April Fools satire***   The first few days of quarantine flew by quickly, as seniors caught up on sleep and their Netflix library....

Taiwan has long considered itself separate from Communist China.  the coronavirus outbreak has only accentuated the difference.

The Other China

Michael Taffe, Technical Director March 30, 2020

The Chinese mainland and the island of Taiwan, to which the Chinese government lays claim, have long had a troubled relationship.  But since the world first learned late last year of a new and deadly...

The Buzz Episode 6: Coronacation

[Multimedia] The Buzz Episode 6: Coronacation

Jeannie Schleppy, Reese Marsalis, and Michael Taffe March 23, 2020

While the gang may not be in the studio, Jeannie, Reese, and Michael connect online to discuss how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting their lives and the world at large.

Far from a cakewalk, the first semester of senior can be laden with stress, especially if you procrastinate on your college applications.

An Open Letter to Juniors

Michael Taffe, Technical Director March 4, 2020

In my junior year AP Economics class, the girl who sat next to me gave me just one piece of advice for senior year: Do your college applications during the summer. I took this advice to heart and had my...

Company pensions are largely extinct, so it's incumbent upon young adults to learn how plan for their financial futures.

Investing in Your Future

Michael Taffe, Technical Director February 19, 2020

One of the biggest complaints American students have with their country’s education system is its inability to prepare them for the “real world.” Paramount to this complaint is that many high school...

The Buzz Episode 5: Instagram Ads

The Buzz Episode 5: Instagram Ads

Jeannie Schleppy, Michael Taffe, and Reese Marsalis February 18, 2020

This week, the cast gives their opinions on school dances as seniors, Valentines Day, and Instagram ads

Andrew Yang set an example of decency, relatability, and no-nonsense logical thinking in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee.

An Example of Political Excellence

Michael Taffe, Technical Director February 12, 2020

After only two primaries into the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential race, hopeful candidate and entrepreneur Andrew Yang has dropped out. A candidate who said it as he saw it, Yang built his platform...

The Most Efficient Government in the World

The Most Efficient Government in the World

Michael Taffe, Technical Director February 3, 2020

“You’ve become one of the most wired countries on Earth -- a global leader in e-government and high-tech start-ups.  The entrepreneurial spirit of the Estonian people has been unleashed, and your...

Post Prom Hype

Post Prom Hype

Michael Taffe, Technical Director January 28, 2020

If we are being honest, most high school dances are the same. Yes, the theme might change and the music is updated to whatever is popular that year, but dances are a predictable constant of high school....

The British taxpayers foot the bill for the lavish lifestyle of the royal family, but the revenues from tourism more than make up for the expense.

Long Live the Queen

Michael Taffe, Technical Director January 21, 2020

One of the oldest countries on the planet, Britain dominated the European Continent, and the world as a whole, for centuries. Since the founding of the country, it was ruled by a monarchy. However, over...

The Buzz Episode 4: College Plans

Michael Taffe, Jeannie Schleppy, and Reese Marsalis January 17, 2020

In this episode, Jeannie, Reese, and Michael talk about their post high school plans plus a college admission horror story you must hear!

The Buzz Episode 3: Christmas Special

Michael Taffe, Jeannie Schleppy, and Reese Marsalis December 16, 2019

The Buzz talks about their Christmas plans and traditions. Stories are told, laughs are shared, and the joy is spread.

Clutter can infiltrate the lives of students just as much as it does adults.  The solution begins by asking what in our backpacks is truly essential.

On Academic Minimalism

Michael Taffe, Technical Director December 11, 2019

I walked into school on the first day of freshman year with about five multi-subject notebooks, three huge binders, a laptop, and a plethora of other supplies. Now in my senior year, my backpack consists...

SNO's recent change to the Distinguished Sites Leaderboard program may not achieve the goals the company set out to accomplish.

SNO Flake

Michael Taffe, Technical Director November 27, 2019

Competition is human nature. The desire, nay, the need to outdo our peers is so paramount to our existence that even the evolution of life itself is based upon it. One of the most competitive times...

The "OK, Boomer" meme started on popular social media app Tik Tok and has since spread into the mainstream. Baby Boomers believe the meme is derogatory, while Millennials see it as a small price to pay for the damage done by Baby Boomer policies.

OK Boomers, It’s Time to Stop

Michael Taffe, Technical Director November 19, 2019

Starting on social media app Tik Tok, the “OK boomer” meme has provided endless amusement to Millennials and Generation Z. From a New Zealand Parliament Member shutting down a heckling colleague to...

Is Victorious as Good as We Remember?

Is Victorious as Good as We Remember?

Michael Taffe, Technical Director November 15, 2019

For kids born in the late 90s and early 2000s, there are certain sounds, pictures, and memories that bring them back to their childhood. A Black Eyed Peas song, a SpongeBob quote, or even one of those...

Tree of Life Shooting: One Year Later

Tree of Life Shooting: One Year Later

Michael Taffe, Technical Director November 1, 2019

On October 27, 2018, eleven worshipers in the Tree of Life Synagogue were shot and killed. Jewish residents who had been living and attending services there for decades suddenly had their lives ripped...

The Buzz Episode 2

The Buzz Episode 2

Michael Taffe, Reese Marsalis, and Jeannie Schleppy October 31, 2019

Jeannie, Reese, and Michael give their thoughts on abortion and try to answer tough philosophical questions surrounding reproductive rights.

When is Early too Early?

When is Early too Early?

Michael Taffe, Technical Director October 30, 2019

With many seniors beginning to narrow down their lists of prospective colleges, the question of when to apply comes to the forefront. Nearly every college offers various stages of admission which can have...

Seeing a loved one's health rapidly detiriorate can be a challenge for anyone. Such emotional stress can cause one to look in desperation for any solution.

In the End

Michael Taffe, Technical Director October 22, 2019

On Saturday, October 5th, while at a Marching Band event, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. Thinking that it was a friend sending a Snapchat or Instagram post, I chose to ignore it. Around 20 minutes...

Bad Karaoke

Katie Golden and Michael Taffe October 21, 2019

To view this video in school, log in on NA Google.

The Buzz Episode 1

The Buzz Episode 1

Michael Taffe, Jeannie Schleppy, and Reese Marsalis October 3, 2019

Welcome to the NASH Uproar's latest podcast: The Buzz! In the first episode of The Buzz, the crew talks about Shane Dawson's latest series, role models, and more!

Year Predictions

2019-2020 School Year Predictions

Michael Taffe, Reporter September 12, 2019

Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. Every year on January 1st, millions of people set goals and challenges for themselves to complete in the next twelve months. Keeping with that theme, I talked...

Post Malone's newest effort showcases the evolution of a unique artist.

A Review of “Hollywood’s Bleeding”

Michael Taffe, Staff Writer September 12, 2019

I don’t want to say Post Malone's third studio album is worse than his previous album because I didn’t enjoy it any less. However, Malone fills the 51-minute runtime for Hollywood’s Bleeding (HB)...

11th Grade: A Year in Review

11th Grade: A Year in Review

Michael Taffe, Reporter May 29, 2019

With the start of our junior year, students of the Class of 2020 made the transition from the ramps and windows of NAI to the stairs and dimness that is NASH, the final building of the North Allegheny...

Validity for the Valedictorian

Validity for the Valedictorian

Michael Taffe, Reporter April 29, 2019

Gold, Silver, Bronze. 1st, 2nd, 3rd. It’s human nature to put things in order. Every sporting event, academic competition, or challenge has winners and losers. Yet, when it comes to class rankings, North...

Scientific Breakthrough

Scientific Breakthrough

Michael Taffe, Reporter March 15, 2019

NATV recently ran a film quizzing NASH students to find out whether they were “smarter than a 5th grader.” One particular question dealt with the order of the planets in the solar system. When asked...

Beyond North Allegheny

Beyond North Allegheny

Michael Taffe, Reporter March 6, 2019

“I love what I do.” During our January trip to Washington DC, staff members of The Uproar met with a variety of reporters and other professionals working in journalism and related fields. Talking...

Our Take on Medical Marijuana

Our Take on Medical Marijuana

Nate Stetson, Michael Taffe, Somya Thakur, and Jill Senrud February 15, 2019

Apologize for the late upload! The snow days threw us off a bit, but we're back on schedule. In the 9th episode of Our Take, hosts Nate, Somya, Jill, and Michael give their takes on medical marijuana,...

Michael Taffe and Anjana Suresh meet up Elizabeth George, NA '13, Duke '17, and CEO of  Ascendant Education Consulting.

The Inside Track on College Admissions

Anjana Suresh and Michael Taffe February 8, 2019

Uproar staffers Anjana Suresh and Michael Taffe sit down with Elizabeth George, NA'13 and Duke University '17, to discuss the college admissions process.  Elizabeth is currently a graduate student at...

Our Take on Logan Paul

Our Take on Logan Paul

Nate Stetson, Michael Taffe, Jill Senrud, and Somya Thakur January 18, 2019

In this episode of Our Take, the team takes on Logan Paul, Tulsi Gabbard, and more. As always, thank you to everyone for listening!

Our Take on the Golden Globes

Our Take on the Golden Globes

Michael Taffe, Jill Senrud, Nate Stetson, and Somya Thakur January 16, 2019

In this episode of Our Take, hosts Michael, Jill, Nate, and Somya take on the persistent government shut down, the Russia investigation, and the Golden Globes! Tune in next week for our podcast before...

McCandless Scandal Shakes Community

McCandless Scandal Shakes Community

Michael Taffe, Reporter January 15, 2019

The McCandless police spent $30,000 finding their new police chief. The end result of the nationwide search was the hiring of David DiSanti, a former FBI agent. After all of that time and money put into...

Our Take on the Yellow Vest Protests

Our Take on the Yellow Vest Protests

Nate Stetson, Michael Taffe, Jill Senrud, and Somya Thakur December 12, 2018

This week, the team takes on the California wildfires, protestors in France, the downfall of Wikipedia, and more.

Our Take on Elizabeth Warren

Michael Taffe, Jill Senrud, Nate Stetson, and Somya Thakur December 6, 2018

In this episode of Our Take, we discuss Elizabeth Warren's DNA test, Kashoggi's death and Saudi Arabia's response, and Ariana Grande Also Danny Devito

Our Take on the Tree of Life

Michael Taffe, Somya Thakur, Jill Senrud, and Nate Stetson December 6, 2018

On the fourth episode of Our Take we discuss all the recent shootings across the United States and the school play. Also Danny Devito, Ice Tea, and Jesus

graphic by D. Crickets

The Real Info Wars

Anjana Suresh and Michael Taffe December 3, 2018

In today’s polarized political climate, most of us would agree that quite a few of the news sources we choose to read contain some partisan leaning, potentially having power to shape how we view certain...

Our Take on The Crimes of Grindelwald

Our Take on The Crimes of Grindelwald

Nate Stetson, Somya Thakur, Jill Senrud, and Michael Taffe November 29, 2018

To view this video in school, log in on NA Google.

Our Take On Education

Michael Taffe, Somya Thakur, Jill Senrud, and Nate Stetson November 21, 2018

In this episode of Our Take, we give our take on Education, Brett Kavanaugh, and more! Also Spy Kids and Danny Devito

Our Take  / Episode 1

Our Take / Episode 1

Nate Stetson, Somya Thakur, Michael Taffe, and Jill Senrud October 5, 2018

On the first episode of Our Take, hosts Somya Thakur, Jill Senrud, Michael Taffe, and Nate Stetson give their takes on a multitude of stories ranging from the recent Nike controversy to the well-known...

Over-schooled, Under-prepared

Over-schooled, Under-prepared

Michael Taffe, Reporter September 9, 2018

Many people in the United States have never heard of the tiny Baltic nation of Estonia. Its population is less than that of Allegheny County’s. Furthermore, the economy is about a third the size of that...

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