Vol III, No. 7

VOL . 3, NO. 7

MARCH 29, 2024

THE YELLOW PAGES BASIS Independent Fremont Journalism Club — 39706 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539

GIRL UP: ENCOURAGING EQUALITY AT BASIS

By Selena Peng and Ailsa Wu In the United States, the month of March is celebrated as Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and honor the contributions made by women to our society. The tradition started in the 1980s and spread across America before being officially recognized

by Congress in 1987. One avenue through which we at BIF Upper School uplift women year-round is through the Girl Up club. Girl Up, whose name is an interesting play on words of the widely used phrase “man up”, is an international organization that seeks to help “ youth leaders develop the leadership skills necessary to accelerate social change and create a meaningful impact in their communities”, according to their website. The members of our BASIS chapter aim to do just that through their impactful leadership, effective communication, inclusivity, and determination to make a difference at our school and beyond.

Girl Up has planned and executed a variety of successful events on our campus, including the recent Women in Stem panel that the club organized for International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Various accomplished female panelists were invited to talk about their experiences in their respective fields. The goal of this event, according to the student advisors, was to not only provide valuable career advice for our largely STEM-oriented student body but also to reverse the mindset many may have about only men being successful in the STEM field.

Other events hosted by Girl Up include No Shave November and their We Wear Pink On Wednesdays fundraiser that raised over 750 dollars for the Breast Cancer Research Fund. The club also has initiatives outside of school, such as providing period kits to low-income women. These spectacular events were able to come to fruition due to the hard work put into them by the student and teacher advisors, as well as all the members!

To learn more about the minds behind this club, we interviewed the student advisors of Girl Up at BASIS, Sahiti B. and Diya R. from 11th grade, as well as their teacher advisor Ms. Parker.

STUDENT ADVISORS: SAHITI B. AND DIYA R. Q. What inspired you to create

this club at our school?

Sahiti: I used to be part of a different chapter of Girl Up at another school. We did a lot of good work there and I really wanted to bring that to the BASIS community.

It’s a UN initiative, like a worldwide thing, and it’s a really good cause, so I just wanted to bring that to BASIS. Diya: Sahiti and I talked about starting a club. I did some volunteer work with some other shelters before, so when she mentioned this idea I thought that we could definitely tie them together. I used some of my previous volunteer

experi ence to further help out.

Q. What is it like running a club at

BASIS, and what are some challenges you face?

Diya: I think sometimes there are issues with communication, and that aspect could be improved upon on both sides [the club and the school]. The main challenge is that we’re a separate organization as well as a school club, so we have to follow codes from the school as well as the organization.

Sahiti: It can be a little hard getting stuff through to the school, especially since we’re a chapter of an external organization.

There are a lot of forms, and communication must be made very far in advance or else things can get very stressful.

Sahiti: We do a lot of cool events, like the panel and our BCRF donut fundraiser, Wednesdays We Wear Pink. It was not just a donut fundraiser, we sold sweatbands and spread awareness in that regard too.

Diya: We raised over 750 dollars for the Breast Cancer Research Fund in honor of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Sahiti: We are also currently working to provide period poverty kits to homeless shelters. That’s another amazing thing about our club, we’re not limited to school activities. Even though it may seem like our events are more targeted towards girls, we try to make our club inclusive, like No Shave November was for guys! I also think that our mission is just so important in all aspects of life. And it’s a fun club too, not too much work.

Q. What are some of your favorite

moments from being in this club?

Diya: I love our discussions during club meetings where people pitch in crazy ideas that we then form into one cohesive idea.

Sahiti: It is a very supportive and creative atmosphere, where we come up with some outrageous ideas that have to be toned down.

Q. What are you hopOne idea was to throw a huge ing to achieve with gala, like a ball where evthis club? eryone comes. That was one Diya: We hope idea, but we had to balance to educate the it out. community about Diya: Then we came up with issues that not our Women in Stem panel. only women but The idea went also everyone is from a gala, facing globally, like a huge parfrom the workty or banquet, place to educato a panel that tion. I think there ended up being are a lot of issues pretty successthat go unnoful. And then ticed, and we we watched our want to highmembers come tolight that. gether to help out with the events like everyone girlup.org just pitching in and helpQ. What have you ing with the donut selling and the panlearned from being a el. Everyone coming together was so part of this club and special. We also love our advisor! Her advising it? friend was a speaker on the panel, so Sahiti: I definitely think that this club she helped with that, and she made us emphasizes leadership, and there’s also t-shirts for the BCRF event. an emphasis on being kind to everyone. We’re aiming for gender equality, not just “ women are great and men are not”. Even though the club is called Girl Up, it’s not saying that girls are superior to guys, but rather that they ’re equal. It’s not bringing any gender down. We encourage guys to join the club too even though the name may imply that it’s only for girls, but that’s not the case.

Diya: Our whole mission statement is to bring equality, not to say one gender is better than another. We’re equal, and we’re trying to push for that. The club also teaches communication, and communication is a key skill that I think is important for everyone.

Through this club, we’ ve had to talk to the panelists, for example, talk to the admin, talk with each other, communicate information, and delegate tasks.

Communication is a skill that can be learned with any club.

Girl Up?

Q. Why should people join

TEACHER ADVISOR: MS. PARKER Q. What makes this club special?

Ms. Parker: I think what makes this club special is that the students involved really care about the issues that they are bringing up, and I think women’s issues are often overlooked, especially in schools. The club is special because the members really really care about uplifting women.

Q. What has your experience been

working with the student advisors and members?

Ms. Parker: My experience is that they really care a lot and they have a lot of really great ideas, and I wish they could execute all of them. But when they do commit to something, they go full out. It’s one of my clubs that has the smoothest process because everyone does the things they say they are going to do and when they are gonna do them. They really just commit to the projects that they put on.

Q. What are some of your favorite

moments from working with the club?

Ms. Parker: I think it was the Women in Stem presentation and panel. It was really really fun, and I saw a lot of people really involved. I know the club itself was really excited about it and they worked so hard. To see it being executed so well and being a program that students really responded to was great. It was pulled off so well, and I know how hard they worked for it so that was definitely my favorite.

After our conversations with the advisors, it’s clear that this cause is something they ’re incredibly passionate about, and their passion shines through in their work. Girl Up not only puts out events for the student body to attend, but also helps members build an amazing skill set of leadership, teamwork, creativity, and communication.

The message of Girl Up has inspired many and continues to do so through their initiative of bringing awareness to underrepresented issues. This club is an amazing part of BASIS Independent Fremont Upper that has created a platform for students who want to learn more and make an impact on the world, creating a safe space that uplifts and represents everyone.

girl up student advisors diya rahul (11) and sahiti bulusu (11) presenting at “women in stem” panel

Photos by Girl Up Club and girlup.org

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MARCH 29, 2024

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS

By Nick Lin In March of 1987, the United States Congress passed L. 100-9, which recognized March as Women’s History Month to honor the journey women have had to go through in the fight for equal rights throughout history. Women’s History Month also spreads awareness about gender inequality in our society today. For example, according to the United Nations, women make up only around 33% of STEM workers, making it increasingly challenging for them to receive prestigious awards and opportunities. One example is the Nobel Prize, founded in 1896 by Alfred Nobel. It is one of the most prestigious awards in the world, featuring 6 sections: peace, literature, physiology, physics, chemistry, and economic sciences. To honor the women who helped make this world a better place, we chose a female Nobel Prize winner who made the most contribution to our world for every section.

MALALA YOUSAFZAI: PEACE Malala Yousafzai was born on July 12th, 1997 in Pakistan. During her childhood, the northern area of Pakistan was under significant Taliban influence and control. Traditional Islamic laws were misinterpreted by the Taliban who did not allow girls to go to school, and although the Taliban didn’t exactly target individuals, their presence still had a huge impact on girl’s education in areas under their control. In 2009, Yousafzai started an anonymous blog, “Gul Makai”, documenting her fears about how the Taliban might attack their school. At the beginning of this journey, her identity was protected to avoid any trouble with the Taliban, but as she became more and more well-known across the world through her and her father’s advocacy for women’s education, her connection with the blog became widely known.

This discovery almost immediately led to an assassination attempt on Yousafzai by the Taliban on October 9th, 2012.

That day, when she was on her way back home on her school bus, a Taliban gunman boarded the vehicle and singled out Yousafzai and her friends. She was shot on the left side of her head, leaving significant damage. She was transported to numerous medical facilities, later going to the United Kingdom to complete her surgery process. This was a huge turning point in her life, both positively and negatively, impacting her later life regardless.

After this, she and her father co-founded The Malala Fund to empower young girls to stand up for themselves and raise awareness about women’s education. Through this project, she was able to travel to many areas where girls were still prohibited from going to school and meet a lot of people, leading her to speak out about girls who were kidnapped by a terrorist organization in Nigeria that still restricted access to education. After many years of standing up for herself and other underprivileged girls around the world, Yousafzai, aged 17 received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 along with Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian children’s rights activist, becoming the youngest ever Nobel Prize Winner.

After receiving the award, Yousafzai stated that her win was “not just for [her[. It is for those forgotten children who want education. It is for those frightened children who want peace. It is for those voiceless children who want change.”

These words reflect the mission of the Malala Fund, which is still active today, helping 21 million children in the years 2022-2023, their arms reaching out to Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, etc. In 2017, Yousafzai became the United Nations Messenger of Peace, appointed by the former Secretary General of the United Nations. Since then, she has been writing books, giving speeches at major conventions, and still advocating harder than ever for education. In 2020, Yousafzai graduated from Oxford University with a degree in politics, economics, and philosophy, showing dedication to her education. As Malala said, “Let us make our future now and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.”

TONI MORRISON: LITERATURE Toni Morrison was born on February 18th, 1931, in Ohio. At an early age, she became interested in literature through her parents’ story-telling and African-American folktales. She focused almost her entire life on expressing the African-American way of things, her books filled with history and African-American experiences. The way she focused on individual lives and their respective difficulties living in a dark world engaged with readers and demanded empathy from them.

In 1970, Morrison published her first book, “ The Bluest Eye”, featuring Pecola, an African-American girl who grew up in an abusive family, and her alcoholic father often beat her. This book explores the challenges she faces in a mainly white society and the critiques other people give regarding her looks.

This novel received limited attention, but it was received well by most people.

It was praised for its realism and coverage of emotions. She later went on to write many more books exploring topics such as race, gender, and equality, all with stunning realism and application of emotions.

In 1993, she officially became the first-ever black woman to receive the Nobel Literature Prize. The committee described her as an author “who in novels characterized by visionary force and poetic import, gives life to an essential aspect of American reality.” She was also awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988, and she was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States in 2012 by former President Barack Obama.

Morrison wasn’t just an influential author, but her work as an editor also profoundly impacted writers and thinkers in our generation. In 2015, she published her last book, “God Help the Child,” exploring the world of racial discrimination. In her entire career, she wrote a total of 11 novels, 13 non-fiction books, 3 plays, 2 short fiction, and 1 article, leaving a profound impact on the world of literature forever. On August 5, 2019, Morrison, aged 88, passed away in a hospital in New York due to pneumonia complications. “If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down.” Morrison might not be here anymore, but her legacy will survive forever.

BARBARA MCCLINTOCK: MEDICINE AND PHYSIOLOGY Barbara McClintock was born on June 16th, 1902 in Connecticut. She grew up in a family that valued the prospect of marriage more than a career, but she didn’t let that stop her from pursuing her dreams of research. With her father’s support, she attended Cornell University where she studied botany and agriculture. She later received a Ph.D. in 1927 in cytology.

After her graduation, she began studying corn and made some minor discoveries surrounding chromosomes and corn’s genes. But in the 1940s and 1950s, she made the biggest discovery of her life: transposable elements, otherwise known as jumping genes. You might ask, what exactly are jumping genes? Well, think of a genome as a book and the genes as the sentences inside that book. Jumping genes are sentences that can copy or cut themselves to another part of the genome or, in our example, another section of a book. There are two types of transposable elements: Class I and Class II. McClintock discovered Class II and Class I was later pieced together by many other scientists using advanced technology, but all this work was based on McCLintock’s discovery of Class II. In Class II genes, they can remove themselves from one part of the genome and move to another part of it, which can change how the organism does a specific thing. These genes can cause mutations due to their unstable nature.

Class I genes are similar, but they make a clone of themselves and move that clone

over to another part of the genome and can also cause mutations.

This discovery might not have seemed like much at first, but it had profound impacts on the field of genetics. This understanding of how mutations are caused forwarded the study of biological evolution since mutations are a direct cause of genetic variation and evolution. Another important implication of her research was the impact it had on human disease research. Understanding the nature of these jumping genes known to cause mutations and diseases helped scientists discover new ways to treat various diseases.

In 1983, her hard work paid off, and she received the Nobel Medicine Prize “for her discovery of mobile genetic elements.” This discovery had one of the most significant impacts on humanity in the entire field of genetics, impacting studies about humans and plants alike.

She is also remembered for her determination and pioneering spirit throughout her entire career. She remained active in the scientific field until September 2, 1992, when she unfortunately passed away in New York due to natural causes at the age of 90.

“If you know you’re on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge,” said McClintock, according to the US National Science Foundation, “then nobody can turn you off, no matter what they say.”

MARIE CURIE: CHEMISTRY Marie Curie was born on November 7th, 1867, in Warsaw, which was, at that time, controlled by Russians. She was born into a family of teachers, fostering her interest in physics and chemistry at a young age. However, Russian oppression of Polish traditions meant that most women didn’t get access to education. Curie was then forced to go to a Polish-owned school, the Flying University. However, her studies there did not satisfy her, so she moved to Paris in search of higher-level education.

There, she enrolled in the University of Paris(Sorbonne), where she continued her studies until 1894.

Shortly after, when Curie was looking for a laboratory to do research in, a Polish Professor introduced her to Pierre Curie due to their love for the same subjects. In 1895, they officially married.

There, they continued researching for many years, and they also had two children: Irene and Eve. Irene, the eldest, would later receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry with her husband in 1935.

However in 1906, Pierre Curie died in a street accident, devastating Marie Curie as she took his place as a professor at Sorbonne. However, before Pierre died, they received the Nobel Physics Prize together for their studies on radioactivity, which paved the way for the Nobel Chemistry Prize Curie would receive later. However, throughout this time, the Curies were also working on something groundbreaking. When they were experimenting with Uranium, they discovered that a particular type of Uranium was more radioactive than the element itself, allowing the possibility for new atoms more radioactive than Uranium to exist. This led to years of toil in poor conditions and a makeshift laboratory, and in July 1898, they discovered Polonium, named after Curie’s home country. In December, the element Radium was discovered, named after its extreme radioactivity.

However, all this was light work compared to what she was about to do next.

Isolating the atom Radium would have significant impacts, proving the element’s existence and advancing the field of Atomic Physics. At the Sorbonne, she labored for another three years, and in 1902, she finally isolated Radium as a metal and calculated its atomic mass.

This was no easy feat, and in 1911, she received the Nobel Chemistry Prize “in recognition of her services to the advancement of chemistry by the discovery of the elements radium and polonium, by the isolation of radium and the study of the nature and compounds of this remarkable element.”

Her amazing discoveries had lasting impacts, including cancer treatment, safety hazards with the handling of radioactive elements, and much more, but most importantly, her legacy as the first-ever woman to receive a Nobel Prize, and as the only person to win

in two scientific fields, continue to inspire people today to never give up. On July 4th, 1934, Marie Curie passed away, aged 66, and died due to a disease that is thought to be an effect of her prolonged interactions with radioactive elements.

DONNA STRICKLAND: PHYSICS Donna Strickland was born on May 27th, 1959 in Canada. She first became interested in laser and electro-optics as an undergraduate at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, where she received her PhD in 1989. Her doctoral thesis was focused on Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA), which is what her research was mostly focused on until now.

The idea behind CPA is simple. Before CPA was invented, amplifying short bursts of lasers was challenging because the high peak temperatures would damage the materials used for laser amplifiers. However, if the laser beam were to be stretched through time by putting it through some sort of a medium that extends the beam, like a prism, its pulse peak power could be significantly decreased. It can be put into a standard laser amplifier without damaging its inner operators. After that, it is compressed with another medium, and the laser comes out much more powerful than when it came in.

This simple mechanism paved the way for so many important uses and discoveries later on. A lot of precision-based work using lasers requires CPA, including dangerous eye surgeries and much more. Additionally, CPA can also be used for cancer treatment — fine lasers are used to kill off cancer cells, and special medicine is used to specifically target cancer cells. Her research also helped in fundamental research, like nuclear fission research, particle acceleration, and more.

After her research was finished, she and her husband, Douglas Dykaar, went on to work in academia, and later in 2018, Donna Strickland received the Nobel Physics Prize “for their method of generating high-intensity, ultra-short optical pulses.” The discovery of CPA is fairly recent, and the possibilities as to how we can utilize CPA even more are infinite. For now, Donna Strickland is a professor at the University of Waterloo, where she is leading an ultrafast laser group that develops high-intensity laser systems for nonlinear optics investigations.

ELINOR OSTROM: ECONOMIC SCIENCES Elinor Ostrom was born on August 7th, 1933, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in the Great Depression, which significantly impacted her worldview.

She went to a wealthy high school, where the norm was to go to college. However, her family did not support her college journey, but she was able to complete college without too much debt.

After getting out of college, she tried to get into the economics team but faced many problems including gender norms.

Fortunately, she was able to get in, and she then continued her studies in economics and politics. She spent her first 15 years researching police throughout the country, but after receiving no promising results, she turned to researching the commons. One of the main books that inspired her was “ Tragedy of the Commons” by Garrett Hardin. This book wrote about how if individuals were left with complete control over public resources, their greed would eventually lead to the destruction of all resources. The default at the time was governmental interference and privatization.

However, using compelling research and real-life examples, she was able to disprove the norm. She gave many examples of how individual societies have come up with ways to maintain common resources without the need for privatization or Governmental Interference.

Her use of real-life examples made her book, “Governing the Commons”, much more powerful.

Her bravery in countering the social norm eventually earned her the Nobel Economic Sciences Prize in 2009 “for her analysis of economic governance, especially the commons.” Her story is that of a woman who dared to try new things and counter gender norms and social norms. Unfortunately, She passed away on June 6th, 2012, aged 78.

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VOL . 3, NO. 7

EXPRESSION AT BASIS: THE an excellent coach who always BIF SPEECH TEAM and takes time to provide feedback are funBy Katherine He and Josh Peter In an institution as STEM-focused as BASIS Independent Fremont, students don’t typically explore skills and hobbies that venture out of the usual fields of sciences and mathematics. However, one activity that has been developing in BIFU for the past few years is speech, an activity that students take on to grow skills in all matters public speaking, self-expression, research, and more. With the creation of the BIF Speech and Debate Club, members of the club have developed essential skills throughout their individual speech journeys. Comprised of ten members, the club has demonstrated unwavering commitment to their chosen hobby, as evidenced by two members that recently qualified for the California High School Speech Association (CHSSA) State Championship.

Competitively, speech is a schoolyear-long season, with tournaments typically scheduled on the weekends.

In a competition, judges assess speakers relative to their peers, with one being the best rating. In addition to the judging process, speakers must navigate a set number of preliminary rounds, with four being customary for State Qualifiers. The simple objective of speakers is to “break,” or get past preliminary rounds. To learn about speech and its significance to its participants in greater detail, we must listen to the advice and experiences shared by members of the speech team.

RECENT EVENTS At their most recent event, the GGSA State Qualifiers hosted at James Logan High School, two of our BIF speakers qualified: Alex Liu(10th) for Informative Speaking and Olivia Ma(11th) for Program Oral Interpretation. This is a tremendous achievement, marking the first time any of the two have qualified for state. Of course, some other BIF speakers also reached high ranks, one being Selena Peng(10th), who quaified as an alternate!

ALEX LIU (10) “ When I first joined the speech team, I wasn’t confident. I wasn’t winning tournaments and was not believing in myself ”, said Liu, reminiscing over his peregrinations in the realm of competitive speech at Basis: “But over time, as I learned skills from speech with the help of my teammates and coach, I realized that speech tournaments are so much more than competitions you wanna do well in; it’s the opportunity to express yourself through words and a privilege more people should be able to afford.”

Although he was inspired to join with a desire to learn to talk and communicate more proficiently, Liu didn’t enjoy speech his first year, even with success in tournaments. This year, however, with further practice, he has consistently reached quarter-finals, the competition simply motivating him to continue perfecting his craft.

In the weekend leading up to State Quals, Liu painstakingly prepared for his event: Informative Speech. Preparation, however, is by no means a solitary endeavor. Personal dedication

damental — he sent recordings of his speech to Coach Alex each week, making sure to listen to the feedback all day every day. As rendered apparent through his success in qualifying for state-level competition, he can certainly testify that hard work with a community does pay off!

With a personal vow to never settle for below what he is capable of, Liu continuously strives to reach further heights in his symbolic speech trek.

He seeks the next step of his speech career to be situated at a larger and more competitive level, heightening competitiveness, as he wishes to qualify for nationals in two weeks. His goal as a sophomore is to compete with state qualifications; as a junior, nationals; as a senior, final at a national tournament.

SELENA PENG (10) Selena Peng, a resilient participant in the competitive speech realm, reflects on her journey with gratitude and determination. Despite facing tough competition and narrowly missing the chance to advance further, she is proud to be an alternate and acknowledges the excellence of her peers. Peng’s topics showcase her commitment to addressing critical issues through her speeches.

Peng’s journey in competitive speech started with a unique blend of emotions. Initially disliking speech, she eventually found her voice and purpose. Over the years, she transitioned from MC-ing and raising awareness at a young age, battling stage fright, to becoming a seasoned competitor with a passion for making a positive impact on her community.

Joined by the small but supportive BIF team, Peng broke in both Program Oral Interpretation and Duo Interpretation, with the latter holding special significance as she performed the duo with her sister. Her dedication to speech is evident in her commitment to long hours of preparation, demonstrating the resilience required for success in the competitive speech circuit.

Peng’s goals extend beyond high school, as she aspires to continue her journey in college to pursue a career that allows her to utilize the valuable skills acquired through speech. Her desire to encourage others in the speech community to recognize their untapped potential highlights her commitment to fostering a positive and empowering environment for all participants.

OLIVIA MA (11) Olivia Ma, on the other hand, brings a distinct perspective to the competitive speech scene. Having participated in two GGSA tournaments before qualifying for the CHSSA State Championships, Ma’s enthusiasm for the event is palpable. Despite missing out on the opportunity to attend last year, she expresses joy in connecting with fellow participants and emphasizes the friendly atmosphere within the team.

Ma’s chosen events, POI (Program Oral Interpretation) and DI (Dramatic Interpretation) reflect her interest in exploring and presenting various issues through speech. POI, with its argumentative and interpretive nature, allows ample room for creativity and expression through navigating pieces from different media. Her involvement in Dramatic Interpretation, a larger

OLIVIA MA (11)

the bif speech team poses outside mlk student union at uc berkeley’s annual cal invitational

category, showcases her versatility as a performer with a 10-minute performance with a self-chosen piece — including plays, books, movies, etc.

Introduced to hosting and MCing by her mother, Ma discovered a natural aptitude for public speaking. Despite only starting to formally compete with the BIF team in 10th grade, she has quickly found her footing and is thus far enjoying a successful season. With goals extending into her senior year, sheenvisions mentoring younger students, showcasing her commitment to giving back to the speech community.

For the speech coterie, the journey in competitive speech has been one of personal growth, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the power of words.

Whether it’s through addressing important issues or finding joy in friendly competition, these students exemplify the spirit of speech, each carving their unique path in the realm of expressive communication.

COACH ALEX LUU (NOT ALEX LIU) Coach Alex: the guide, teacher, and mentor, stands as a capable and reliable figure for the speech team members. He has experienced the effects of taking on a hobby as great as speech himself, and it has shaped him to who he is today.

“As a kid, I was too nervous to speak.

As a teen, I couldn’t stop talking.

Speech gave me the chance to explore my voice. Competing in speech challenged me to discover if I was an honest person or a good liar.” said Luu. “I was only ever successful when I chose honesty. Now, as a speaker and a coach of speakers, I speak only when I have something worth listening to. And everything I say carries value.”

Other than his personal journey, for the people that are considering speech whether it’s now or later, our BIFspeech coach has a firm reminder.

“Don’t. Unless you want to learn how to tell the truth. Unless you want to decipher when someone isn’t. Unless you have an opinion to voice, a lesson to teach, or a story to tell. I believe anyone at any age has a story. Don’t join unless you want to learn how to believe in yours.”

FUTURE PROSPECTS

the bif speech team at john lewis svudl invitational in november

Apart from recent achievements and advancements, the BIF team has a lot to say regarding the future of speech that could involve anyone in BASIS. Laying the groundwork plan for the future of the BIF Speech Team, Liu pinpoints three main focuses as follows: 1. Working for a bigger team that can go against bigger schools, as the BIF Speech Team is always presented as the underdog in any competition due to the low number of members.

2. Making speech more accessible, especially in terms of the club’s cost, so more students can join. Liu also believes in making speech an elective to

increase coaching time with Coach Alex.

3. People who are or will join Speech Club should know that speech competitions and preparing for them teach how to express through words, and not violence, and that hard work will pay off with the right guidance from coaches and teammates.

Expanding on his first focus, with a bigger team comes the opportunity to “foster a greater team spirit to generate more growth,” as Liu put it. “ You’re not trying to be better than everyone else–I’m here to show them what I’ ve been working on,” said Liu, “Doesn’t matter if I broke or not, it mattered that I expressed what I wanted to say.”

Besides the three focuses, Liu has gained years of knowledge from being a speaker that show how important speech is not just as a competitive activity but an opportunity to learn a skill set for all future endeavors. Liu explained to us that there is so much more to speech than just presenting a topic. “ The skills I’ ve learned from the activity of speech, such as confidence, communication, and the ability to persevere,” said Liu, “ will be implemented in my future career of marine biology or bioengineering.”

Speech is not to be treated as a small hobby. A lot of people deeply invested in the activity of competitive speech, such as our own BIF Speech Team, know the amount of hours, especially on weekends, that have to be put in to do well. But as Peng believes, “everyone needs this opportunity to express themselves as a person and individual.” Peng also expresses that the primary goal of speech is to express your viewpoint on topics that aren’t as talked about to bring a new perspective to your audience and even yourself when doing research.

One reason people could be avoiding joining the BIF Speech Team is their fear of public speaking or stage fright, but Ma, having witnessed the growth of many other speakers, including herself, sees it as “a process. [They] will have to deal with your fears or they will stay forever. Taking over them in high school is best, as other people are also learning, getting through it together.” Personally, speech has helped Ma push herself out of her comfort zone, and encourage her to think on her feet more effectively.

If the experiences and advice of these speakers resonate with you, speech would be a great activity to consider when choosing extracurriculars in the future. Yes, hours and commitment are required, but with the work of many team members, our BIF Speech Team believes that everyone can achieve their goals, while learning a lot from the environment they ’re placed in.

Photos by BIF Speech Team

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MARCH 29, 2024

HUMANS OF BASIS - MS. SAGAL’S ROMAN EMPIRE

By Julee Jiang, Olivia Ma, and Sarah Wu Etched on the whiteboard in Ms. Sagal’s iconic tall and organized handwriting, is the saying each and every one of her students knows by heart: SBATAI, or “sit back and think about it.” Taken from her own high school calculus teacher, staying calm in times of doubt, perseverance, and thinking outside of the box are just a few of the principles that follow Ms. Sagal in the classroom and her own life.

Ms. Sagal’s journey with Latin — the subject she currently teaches at BIF — started with an unassuming book about dragons that she read in middle school. “ The main character knew Latin and was thus able to get a job working for a dragon who also knew Latin,” said Ms. Sagal as she let out a chuckle. “Dragons speak Latin. I wanted to speak to dragons, of course.”

However, what truly inspired her to continue studying Latin in school was her admiration for her Latin teacher and the nature of the ancient language. As a student, Ms. Sagal was quite introverted and struggled in Spanish due to its conversational requirements. When she found Latin, she discovered that there was not much talking to be done, and her teachers were quite understanding of her shyness. As for History, another subject she currently teaches, she claims that “it was an accident.” According to Ms. Sagal, studying ancient languages and history is a package deal because understanding any text requires prior knowledge of its historical context. Due to her extensive background in ancient history, she decided to take up teaching Classics alongside Latin when she joined BIF in 2016.

One thing led to another, and soon, she was asked to teach the first group of sixth graders history, and she has never looked back since.

“It was a very challenging year in terms of learning and knowledge, but by the end of it, I was stuck — in a good way,” said Ms. Sagal. “It was a happy accident, and I will always love teaching it.”

Ms. Sagal enjoys teaching history because of the different angles it can be viewed from, especially the ones that uplift the stories of those who go unheard — including women. Throughout her years of learning, she’s observed that women’s contributions are rarely highlighted in comparison to their male counterparts, and the ones who are, are often villainized.

“No one was perfect, to be sure,” said Ms. Sagal. “But painting them as villains only tells half the story and takes away from their historical influence.”

Some long-time students of Ms. Sagal may remember a particular Women’s History Month staple: her cartoonish whiteboard drawings of impactful women through history, which would be a daily surprise for students walking into class.

“I was still getting used to the BASIS curriculum, and I wasn’t sure how to include these impactful women into my lessons,” said Ms. Sagal, “so I wanted to have a highlight on my board for everyone to see.”

Beyond valuing historical female figures during Women’s History Month, Ms. Sagal believes that teachers should try to talk about women throughout the whole year, just as Black figures should be taught outside of Black History Month. Only by exposing students to such material throughout the year can people begin to gain a fuller understanding of historical events and trends. Although she believes that people have recognized the presence of discrimination in various aspects of society, she still sees more to be done.

Ms. Sagal’s passion for exploring untold stories and learning new ideas persists in her love for teaching. According to Ms. Sagal, students view the world from a different lens than most adults do. Whereas adults tend to be more or less set in their ways through their years of experience, kids are more curious and open to new ideas, making

teaching a much more exciting and open process, where both the students and teachers can learn. Another incredible part of teaching for Ms. Sagal is watching the moment her students just “get it”— a moment in which everything they just learned clicks and both her and her students’ hard work pays off.

“Students are very silly, especially middle schoolers,” laughs Ms. Sagal, “sometimes they go roundabout, but they will get there sometimes even in unexpected ways.”

However, school does not always allow for creative learning to take place, with the pressure of getting good grades and delivering immediate results often restricting a student’s learning process.

This limitation, also known as “test culture,” is something that Ms. Sagal hopes to change through her work. As most students, parents, teachers, and faculty know, BASIS students follow a very rigorous curriculum and high academic standard. While this culture can push students to do well in class, it can also deter them from learning from their mistakes, along with creating a high amount of stress for each student to succeed, whether they actually learn something or not. “ The idea that you have to do really well on a test or everything will be ruined is a very powerful fear motivator and does not always coincide with learning,”

said Ms. Sagal. “One of the challenges of teaching is breaking through that idea.”

Ms. Sagal hopes to continue encouraging her students to make mistakes and trust themselves —a slow and steady process that is ultimately worth it. This upcoming May marks the graduation of the class of 2024, which is not only BIF’s first graduating class, but also the very first class Ms. Sagal taught at BASIS a whole 8 years ago. To many long-time BIF teachers like her, watching these students grow up and find independence in the real world is a bittersweet feeling.

“Most of them were smaller than me, fifth graders, and now I am so proud of the stuff they’ve done,” said Ms. Sagal, as she reminisced about her students, “but I will also be a bit sad to see them go.” To both her graduating and non-graduating students, Ms. Sagal has two key pieces of advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help” and “Don’t give up.” Even though such phrases and mottos may take a cheesy or corny tone, she maintains that living by these principles is crucial in life.

Staying true to herself, although tiring and taxing at times, is what has gotten her through rough patches and problems that those around her believed could not be solved. But no matter what happens in life, Ms. Sagal wants all her students to remember her motto: SBATAI!

ms. sagal dressed as roman empress livia for halloween 2023

WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST RESULTS

By Sachit Parekh

Last year, the Yellow Pages hosted its first annual Holiday Photography Contest, and we followed a similar format this year, only changing the name of the contest. Yellow Jackets from both middle and high school were invited to submit their photography to the Yellow Pages for a chance to be featured in this issue. We received a large and diverse pool of responses, including both middle and high school submissions. Below are the middle and high school winners for the 2024 Winter Photography Contest!

MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNER: ELAINE SUN This image depicts a beautiful sunset in the Key Largo area in Florida. The reflections in the water create a great effect adding depth.

The image sufficiently uses concepts of lighting and contrast to highlight the sunset and reflection.

HIGH SCHOOL WINNER: BRIDGET LIANG This striking image of Yosemite National Park is an excellent capture of the unique angle of the sun’s rays over a mountain in the midground. It effectively utilizes concepts of foreground and background, and the subject is depicted clearly with a striking contrast to the shadowy foreground and the foggy background. The placement of the mountain along one side of the image creates the perfect balance between the subject and its surroundings.

elaine sun(8th)

Overall, thank you to everyone who participated, and congratulations to this year’s winners!

Stay tuned for next year! bridget liang(11th)

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VOL . 3, NO. 7

STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

By Angela Cao

photo taken by adam shultz

At the beginning of every year, the president holds a joint meeting between Congress, his Cabinet, and the Supreme Court, at what’s called the State of the Union Address. There, the President makes a lengthy speech and invites Congress to consider topics he finds most

pressing. Nowadays, it’s more of a political bid. The President goes over the economic position of the country, his political accomplishments of the last year, and his overall agenda for the next. This year, President Joe Biden’s speech doubled as a re-election speech.

PG&E’S RATE HIKES

By Sachit Parekh On January 1, 2024, Pacific Gas and Elec tric Company (PG&E), the primary utility provider for Central and Northern California, increased its electricity rates by 13%, establishing itself as the most expensive utility provider in California.

This rate hike costs customers approximately 33 extra dollars per month, according to NBC Los Angeles. Additionally, another increase is set to take effect in April, costing customers an extra four to six dollars per month.

The San Francisco Standard’s Kevin Truong reports that since 2021, PG&E has increased its rates by 38%, meaning customers paid approximately 52 dollars more per month in 2024 than they were three years ago. This percentage increase is significantly greater than the cumulative inflation rate from 2021 to 2024 of about 15%, and is also 20% more than the growth of the Consumer Price Index during the same period. PG&E further plans to increase average utility costs an additional 14 dollars per month, and that proposal is currently in the application phase.

These rate hikes have infuriated both businesses and families. News website CalMatters reports on the Babcock family, owners of a small business in the small town of Bieber, about 80 miles east of Mount Shasta. In 2023, the family paid a total of approximately 40,000 dollars.

PG&E’s rate hikes this year will further increase that total spending on utilities.

The Babcocks claim that these rate hikes are the primary reason their business is struggling, which may eventually cause them to close their business. This business, the only general store within almost a 50-mile radius of Bieber, supports the livelihood of communities in the Big Valley region, and a shuttering of this business will have devastating effects.

Rightfully so, this situation has many individuals further disapproving of the

PG&E rate hikes.

WHY? PG&E established these hikes to fund existing and future projects aimed at improving and modernizing their current grid, primarily for protection from wildfires and storms. The company aims to reduce the risk of wildfires through the undergrounding of power lines, which is a lengthy and expensive process. This initiative was spurred by the devastating 2018 Camp Fire, which leveled the town of Paradise, leading to the deaths of 85 people. That historic fire was caused by a poorly-maintained power line hook in the middle of a large forest. The fallout as a result of the fire caused PG&E to file for bankruptcy in an attempt to avoid 30 billion dollars in potential liabilities.

Since then, PG&E has exited bankruptcy and has pledged to enhance the safety of its power grid and minimize its risk of starting wildfires. Similarly, the historic atmospheric river events of early 2023 led to widespread power outages, some of which lasted for days. This prompted PG&E to further expedite the undergrounding process and also provide reinforcements for lines that are unable to be grounded.

CONTROVERSIES In 2023, PG&E’s profits were reported to have surged to 2.2 billion dollars, which is over a 25% increase from 2022, even after taking the costs of modernization and undergrounding into account. The significant surge in profits has raised skepticism about the true reason for PG&E’s rate hikes. Despite the skepticism, PG&E claims there is no connection between the increased profits and increased rate hikes. An analysis of PG&E’s public revenue statement for 2023’s fourth quarter

an outside view of pg&e(source: madeuszygnia)

Not only did he mention his term goals, but he also attacked his political enemies, and addressed concerns about his age.

Keen to dispel rumors of being physically and mentally unfit for office, Biden’s speaking manner was far more eloquent than his previous speeches, and the roaring support from most Democrats in the hall provided for a strong audience.

However, this address still went less than smooth with interruptions lasting from the beginning all the way to the end.

On the way to the address, Pro-Palestinenial protesters, blocking the path to the capital, forced Biden’s motorcade to take a different route. The speech itself was also repeatedly interrupted by Republican hecklers when Biden went over topics such as social security, raising taxes, and immigration. He even recognized some of these representatives, and allowed for back and forth. This trend of more and more heckling during State of the Unions led many online to remark on the ensuing chaos in what is supposed to be a formal environment. This year, one even commented on the growing similarities between these speeches and those made during the British Parliamentary Debates in the House of Commons. The many “BOOOOO’’s and the “YEAHHH”s coming from the audience certainly supported their claim.

This speech was also made undoubt-

edly in hopes that it would once again make him a popular choice for President against Donald Trump. Since October 7th, President Biden has continuously expressed his unwavering support for Israel. The war in Gaza has divided Democrats, and many in the room were wearing keffiyehs, a Palestinian headdress, in protest of Biden’s support of Israel. In an attempt to once again unite the Democrats, Biden proposed plans for humanitarian aid, and emphasized other topics like increasing taxes and reducing the price of prescription drugs, which brought him many standing ovations.

Curiously, Biden also seemed to avoid spelling out his main presidential competitor’s name. He only referred to Donald Trump as “my predecessor” when he talked about the Russo-Ukrainian War and the January 6th storming of the capital. Biden made his political messages clear, and he invited a variety of guests to share personal anecdotes about abortion, school tuition, and western alliances: he even invited the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson in honor of Sweden officially joining NATO. This year’s State of the Union was well packed as a re-election speech; Biden’s forced strength and political messages were well outlined, and it served as an attempt to unify the Democratic Party.

provides little extractable information regarding this predicament.

Why is Sacramento allowing these rate hikes, which anger customers and threaten small businesses? PG&E’s rate hikes are approved by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC is a board of five commissioners appointed by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, that regulates privately owned utility companies. Despite the rampant public disapproval, the CPUC swiftly and unanimously approved the April rate hike with barely any discussion, according to Truong.

Why would the CPUC unanimously approve such a rate hike without any consideration? The answer to this question lies in the connections between Newsom and PG&E. PG&E is the largest utility company in the country, and has immense leverage when it comes to politics. The utility company has consistently supported Newsom and has donated nearly one million dollars throughout

his political career. As a result, Newsom is essentially obligated to support PG&E regardless, and as a result the CPUC is approving such absurd rate hikes.

WHAT NOW? PG&E’s rate hikes will continue to raise utility bill prices across northern and central California, not only angering customers but also threatening the livelihoods of lower-income families and small businesses. While the utility company continues to improve their infrastructure by undergrounding lines in areas vulnerable to fires and storm-proofing local grids, the massive profit margin of the company in 2023 as a result of these rate hikes is a telltale signature of corporate greed and corporate involvement in politics. Until we advocate against PG&E’s corporate greed, your electricity bill will only increase, benefitting PG&E at the expense of your family.

QUESTIONS LEFT UNANSWERED 10 YEARS AFTER MH 370

By Shubh Bachkethi

On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (MH370) departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport for Beijing, China, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members on board. None of them ever returned home. This month marks the 10th anniversary of their disappearance and the 10th year of their loved ones looking for answers: “ What happened to Flight 370? Why them?” Over the past decade, MH370’s disappearance has generated many conspiracy theories, ranging from murder-suicide black holes.

The plane uneventfully departed at 12:41 AM Malaysia time. About thirty minutes later, when the plane was about to leave Malaysian airspace and enter Vietnamese airspace, the plane disappeared from the radar of air traffic control, never to be heard from again. When MH370 disappeared, attempts to locate it were made using the Malaysian military radar, which found that MH370 had flown off course and instead was last recorded as flying over the Malay Peninsula, after which the plane went out of the range of Malaysian military radar. Despite extensive search efforts, neither the plane nor the passengers were ever found. Over the years, tiny fragments of the plane have been found by people, but most of the plane’s fuselage remains hidden. Grace Nathan, daughter of MH370 passenger Anne Catherine Daisy, has gone far in life since the disappearance of her mother— she “graduated law school, got married, built a legal career, and [had] two children. But all these milestones were tinged with the absence of my [Nathan’s] beloved mother, Anne Catherine Daisy,” (Sinar Daily). It is heartbreaking that everyone has waited 10 years & have still gotten no answers. Conspiracy theories have surfaced in the place of answers.

A popular conspiracy theory is that the

captain of MH370, Zaharie Ahmad Shah, intentionally caused the disappearance.

After exiting Malaysian airspace, the plane entered a region where it was beyond radar detection, affording the captain considerable freedom of action to do whatever he wanted. Shah is believed to have depressurized the cabin, depleting its oxygen and resulting in the deaths of everyone except himself, as he allegedly wore an oxygen mask. He is then said to have flown the plane down south, ultimately crashing it into the Southern Indian Ocean. The Malaysian authorities’ subsequent search found the wreckage in the Southern Indian Ocean, lending credence to the possibility that everyone on board perished in this manner.

Further investigation suggests that the captain was facing marital problems and had been unfaithful to his wife. The most eerie evidence found was that Shah had simulated the flight path taken by MH370 on a flight simulator in his home, one which was strikingly similar to the one recorded by satellite after the plane ceased communications. With this evidence in mind, the murder-suicide conspiracy theory seems to be the most likely, but it is hard to know for sure.

Other conspiracy theories include suggestions that North Korea abducted the plane for its own use, or that the satellite evidence was forged, and the plane actually landed in Asia. Even crazier theories say that a meteor struck the plane or that terrorists hijacked it, flying it to Afghanistan where the passengers and crew were held captive.

Despite all of the possibilities, the fate of MH370 remains unknown to this day. .

Only time will reveal the truth. The loved ones of MH370 passengers deserve closure, and I truly believe that one day, they will find the peace they rightfully deserve.

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VOL . 3, NO. 7

BOWLS VS. PLATES

By Sheil Mody, Pranesh Saran, and Vincent Yang

MAY BOWLS ENRICH OUR SOULS

Much like the inventions of the soup spoon, salad fork, and bread knife, bowls were originally created to perform specific tasks. One major difference is that, unlike plates, bowls are designed to securely hold liquid, making them perfect for enjoying a nice, hot bowl of soup.

You can try increasing the height of the plate, indenting its bottom more, but how far will you go before your plate inevitably becomes a bowl?

Additionally, even if your sustenance is of the more solid variety, it is a challenge to maneuver a plate filled with food. Not only do you have to hold the plate, you also have to prevent the food on top from falling off. Both plates and bowls may be knocked and flipped over, but bowls are less prone to spillage when pushed horizontally. I’m not saying we should start serving cakes in bowls but… it’s worth a try. What if your food is traditionally consumed with the hands, such as pizza, donuts, and desserts? The solution is simple: get a bigger bowl!

Not only will it tip less, but you can also make the switch to bowls to serve all your favorite foods.

One problem I’m sure many people face is how to clear their plate. It may seem easy at first—slipping the spoon under your rice, or gravy, or salad, or whatever else you may be consuming.

Once you’re almost done with your meal, however, the remnants of your food cannot be lifted off the plate so easily. Try to slip your spoon under the food, and it will refuse to lift onto your utensil. Using a fork? Good luck with lettuce, noodles, and other slippery ingredients. But with a bowl? Just tilt it to the side, and slide your utensil under the food; it will easily comply with your desires by virtue of gravity.

Bowls might take a bit more space to pack, granted, but most decently-sized bowls should fit in your cabinet just fine. This is because they are designed to be almost vertical at the sides and only curve inwards near the middle.

Now, let’s consider: are bowls useful in survival situations as well? Firstly, you can easily scoop up water from a creek or stream, put it on top of a campfire, and heat it up, thus both efficiently sourcing water and making sure harmful patho-

gens are removed. If you don’t have an open burning fire, you can place stones on top of the fire, leaving them there until they’re sufficiently hot. Then, you can place them directly into your water-filled bowl, heating the water and making it safe for use at the same time!

It’s also a great way to store food in case of an emergency. Don’t have a bowl on hand? No problem—you can easily fashion one from wood! According to a blog

by Tim MacWelsh, there are three ways to make a wooden bowl: burn out a log of wood to make it hollow, cut a rough hole in it, or carve it out!

Also, it helps you conveniently combine different ingredients together on the go, from its curved edges that allow you to slosh around liquids like soup, to its requirement that you stack food on top of each other, leading to a homogenous mixture throughout…

I want to leave you with one last interesting tidbit from my research. Bowls were always not as widely adopted in American society as they are now—one main reason was that consumers preferred not to “mix” their food (as bowls often force you to do), keeping them separate in different plates. However, according to a study from the Food and Brand Lab at Cornell University, dining from larger plates makes you overestimate the amount of food you are actually consuming, as opposed to bowls, which condense your food so as to make you feel like you have more of it.

And it seems that popular culture is catching up with us. Annaliese Griffin, an editor at Quartz Magazine, wrote in her lifestyle article “ The reasons why food tastes better in a bowl than on a plate” that, although our (American) culture used to tend towards more delineated, plate-sized portions of food, we’ve now started to gravitate towards the notion of combining our food into one properly sized and nutritious portion. This shift is part of the growing movement to eat healthier (especially the “very real struggle to eat more vegetables and whole grains” that Griffin mentions in her article), and although it may take some time until our culture finally moves bowls out of the restrictive stereotype of only being useful for consuming liquid foods, I hope I have convinced you that bowls, indeed, are the superior choice of tableware.

monitor consumption. The divided sections on some plates further facilitate portion control by allowing individuals to separate different food groups. For example, a plate with distinct sections for proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables encourages a balanced meal composition. This separation helps individuals gauge appropriate portions of each food category, promoting a well-rounded diet.

Plates are also superior to bowls for a reason many might not expect. When going camping or hiking, there are always some unexpected events that may occur such as getting lost or stranded. In this hypothetical scenario, would you rather have plates or bowls in your backpack to fend off enemies and hone your survival instinct? In a survival situation, foraging for food becomes a crucial skill. Plates, with their larger surface area, offer a distinct advantage over bowls. They provide a better platform for collecting and preparing wild edibles like berries, nuts, and roots. Moreover, plates can double as cutting boards for cleaning and processing the foraged items, streamlining the food preparation process. In survival situations, resource management is crucial. Plates offer an advantage here as well. Their flat design allows for efficient stacking, optimizing limited storage space in backpacks or makeshift shelters. This space-saving feature is particularly valuable when every ounce of weight and every inch of space counts.

In conclusion, plates emerge as the superior choice over bowls for a multitude of reasons. From their versatility and portion control benefits to their cultural significance and aesthetic appeal, plates reign supreme in the world of dining.

So next time you’re setting the table or planning a meal, consider reaching for a plate – it’s a decision you won’t regret.

MAY PLATES ELATE When faced with the choice between a plate and a bowl for serving your culinary creations, the decision may seem trivial at first glance. However, a closer

THE PECULIAR ORIGINS OF EARTH’S RAREST METALS

By Abheek Batra Back in the 1970s, the entirety of the U.S was filled with smog and heavy pollution, resulting in many people getting sick. This was mainly because of car exhaust, so the U.S government took action and made legislations like the Clean Air Act, which spurred innovations such as catalytic converters.

Catalytic converters are key components of gas cars that facilitate the conversion of harmful, smog-causing gasses into safer compounds. However, thefts targeting catalytic converters have been on a rapid rise recently, spurred by the treasure chest of valuable metals they contain: platinum, palladium, and the most expensive metal on Earth, rhodium.

Rhodium is part of a group of metals that are substantially resistant to oxida-

examination reveals that plates offer a plethora of advantages that elevate them above their bowl counterparts in various dining scenarios. While bowls undeniably have their merits, plates emerge as the wise choice for those seeking versatility, creativity, and aesthetic appeal in dining experiences. Plates also serve as a necessity to survival if ever lost in the wilderness.

The expansive surface area of a plate invites culinary exploration and experimentation. Whether you’re experimenting with new flavor combinations or showcasing diverse cultural cuisines, plates provide the freedom to express your culinary prowess without constraint. They encourage diners to indulge in a sensory journey, where each bite is savored against a backdrop of tastefully arranged ingredients. Bowls, on the other hand, offer a more limited dining experience, relegating diners to the confines of a single dish. This often also leads to a lack of aesthetic appeal.

Beyond their functional attributes, plates contribute to the overall dining experience in subtle yet significant ways. The act of serving food on a well-appointed plate elevates the dining occasion, transforming a simple meal into a memorable culinary event.

Whether dining alone or hosting a gathering of friends and family, plates set the stage for an elegant and refined dining experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Plates encourage portion control and mindful eating. With a flat surface, it’s easier to gauge portion sizes and create a balanced meal. This promotes healthier eating habits and prevents overconsumption, eventually leading to gluttony. Bowls, with their rounded shape and deeper wells, can sometimes lead to larger servings, making it harder to

tion, corrosion, and heat. This group of metals, also known as the “noble metals,” consists of ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold. These specific properties make rhodium an essential element in catalytic converters. Additionally, rhodium has another unique, essential property: it acts as a catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions. This property allows rhodium to convert nitrous oxide, a gas that damages our ozone layer, into harmless nitrogen and oxygen gas.

Taking this into account, its no wonder that two grams of rhodium—around the amount found in a catalytic converter— is valued at a thousand dollars, making it ten times more valuable than gold. The reason this precious metal is so rare is

photo by sheil mody, pranesh saran, and vincent yang

because of its unique origin. To understand how these metals were formed, we must understand how all elements come to be. Each element consists of a nucleus held together by a nuclear force. As the amount of protons and neutrons within the nucleus increase, so does the heat and energy needed to sustain this nuclear force. The conditions in the atmosphere after the Big Bang were perfect for creating some of the most abundant and lightest elements found on Earth today. To create heavier elements, however, much more heat and energy is needed. The only other way to create these heavier elements and increase the number of protons within a nucleus is by adding neutrons, which takes substantially less energy to add.

In rare cases, neutrons can decay into protons, resulting in a new element not previously present. This is how most elements on the periodic table were formed.

This answer generates a new ques-

tion: where do we find the neutrons floating around, just waiting to be added to nuclei? One source is dying stars that do not go through violent, disruptive explosions. These stars contain free-floating neutrons, allowing a nucleus to every so often capture them. However, this process occurs extremely slowly.

Another place to find floating neutrons is a supernova, the explosion of an enormous, dying star. These supernovas can result in a plethora of neutrons being added to nuclei. The aftermath of these supernovas often gives rise to a neutron star, and if two neutron stars are able to attract each other, you can find an abundance of neutrons, allowing for much more decay from neutrons to protons, resulting in new elements.

Through this strange and rare process of neutrons from neutron stars decaying into protons, we can better understand how rare elements, such as rubidium, were formed, as well as the the surge in catalytic converter thefts.

BIF LIT MAG’S OPEN MIC NIGHT On Tuesday, March 12th, our club hosted an open mic night at Tamper Room, in collaboration with our friends at Mission San Jose & Irvington! The coffee shop was full with teens gathering around to listen to each other’s short stories, poems, singing, and more. For many, it was a night of firsts — the first time sharing something personal in front of an audience, the first time writing a poem, the first time singing an original song. It was an incredible experience meeting members of the lit mag clubs at Mission and Irvington, and we had a blast working with them to put together this event. We are excited to host more collaborative, community-wide events in the future!

upsplash

6

MARCH 29, 2024

THE AMBANI PRE-WEDDING EVENT

OPINION ON “OPPENHEIMER”

By Aarna K . and Pooja K .

By Esha Bansiya

Worth a total of $194 million, the now viral “Ambani Pre-Wedding Gala” sparked much attention as business and tech elites and celebrities from all over the world came together for the event in Jamnagar, India. Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest person and the 11th wealthiest person in the world, celebrated his upcoming marriage to Radhika Merchant with a 3-day bash that began on March 1. Ambani and Merchant, leader of energy vertical and marketing for their family companies, respectively, had known each other since childhood. Speculations about the two first emerged in early 2018, when pictures of the couple began surfacing. In December 2022, it was officially announced that Ambani and Merchant were soon to be wed.

Some notable stars spotted at the event included Bill Gates, Sundar Pichai, Ivanka Trump, Hillary Clinton, and famous Indian actors such as Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. With such a high-profile event came many preparations, and according to recent reports, guests received a 9-page document containing a series of dress code requirements. In staying true to one dress code rule “more is more”, many A-list celebrities arrived with custom-made designer outfits: Mark Zuckerberg, Meta CEO, and his wife, Priscilla Chan, were seen wearing coordinating black and gold ensembles, and British-Indian actress Alia Bhatt made an appearance in a stunning gold lehenga. The bride and the groom themselves featured many eye-catching designs with Merchant in a blush pink custom Versace dress that many online viewers compared to Blake Lively ’s 2022 Met Gala look, and Ambani donning custom Dolce & Gabbana on day one.

The guests attending the event were not short on activities to partake in and had access to various luxurious amenities including personal hair and makeup stylists as well as their own return charter flights to Mumbai and New Delhi. Rihanna’s performance at the Ambani Pre-Wedding Event was of great anticipation. After going into semi-retirement in 2018 to focus on projects away from her music, such as the launch of her cosmetics company, Fenty Beauty, she recently made a comeback, releasing new songs in 2022 and performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2023. The singer is estimated to have been paid about 6 million dollars for her first full live concert in years and performed nineteen songs for the show. Rihanna’s charisma and performance lit the stage with energy with a beautiful rendition of her popular song “Diamonds”. Wearing a Swarovski diamond studded dress from Italian designer, The Attico, Rihanna looked like “Indian Royalty ” on stage in her green and pink ensemble, Hindustan Times, a popular Indian newspaper, later commented.

In addition to Rihanna’s vibrant performance, many visits were made to the Ambanis’ animal rescue center, Vantara, an animal rescue, care, and rehabilitation program which was launched on February 26, 2024. Vantara is home to over 2000 animals and the largest elephant rehabilitation program in the world. Over 2,500 delicious dishes and delicacies representing cousins from around the world were prepared for guests to indulge in at the Ambani pre-wedding events ensuring that no guest had to eat the same dish twice.

With a star-studded guest list to lavish activities and amenities, the Ambani pre-wedding was undoubtedly a party to be remembered.

guests of the ambani pre-wedding pictured above( source: bollywoodhungama)

LE SSERAFIM “EASY” ALBUM REVIEW

By Emma Ma

le sserafim at tv10 ( SOURCE: TV10 )

World-wide famous K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM made their highly-anticipated debut under Source Music (a South Korean entertainment company part of Hybe Corporation) in May 2022 with their hit EP “Fearless.” Since their debut, they ’ ve released one more EP, “Antifragile,” in 2022, and one full studio album, “Unforgiven,” in April 2023 — both of which have been largely successful. Soon after the release of Unforgiven, B-side “Eve, Psyche, & the Bluebeard’s Wife” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart. During the second half of 2023, LE SSERAFIM came back with a viral

single released in collaboration with the game Overwatch 2—titled “Perfect Night.” Unsurprisingly, when the teaser dropped for their latest EP, “Easy,” everyone anticipated it would match or even surpass the level of their earlier releases.

Compared to the experimental tunes showcased in their previous releases, “Easy ” veers more towards the upbeat, mainstream pop sound.

“Good Bones” is an eccentric opening song that perfectly encompasses LE SSERAFIM’s concept in a short, sweet message. The members take turns speaking in English, Korean, and Japanese, delivering lines like “Despite

‘oppenheimer’ movie poster(source: belgiumamaranth)

Even if you missed the Oscars ceremony earlier this month, you have probably heard about the overwhelming success of Oppenheimer — nominated for thirteen awards and winning seven, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor. It is no surprise that Oppenheimer did so well: the intense cinematography coupled with the emotional acting and the suspenseful music worked perfectly together to create a steady and captivating cinematic experience.

Christopher Nolan and the other amazing writers and producers pulled together a beautiful narrative that goes beyond the story of the atomic bomb — the movie connects the present and future, giving the audience glimpses into the effects and lead-ups to the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing decision.

My issue with the movie is that it is too well-done. Its artistic brilliance can overshadow the grim reality that this bomb killed hundreds of thousands of people and continues to affect lives today. It is easy to forget that Los Alamos was a real place once inhabited by indigenous people and farmers whose lives were forever changed.

In the movie, after Oppenheimer realizes the effect of his creation, a long and emotional scene captures his guilt — sounds pound against the theater walls as the music crescendos. We are meant to feel sympathy for Oppenheimer. We are meant to feel his pain and regret.

Amidst this portrayal, it is easy to overlook the fact that Oppenheimer created that bomb. Regardless of any remorse he may feel, he knew what the bomb was

it all, my ambition and aspirations are unstoppable / An immeasurable future” (English translation). Despite the harsh realities of the world, they will keep pursuing their dreams as they move forward into the future. The title track, “Easy,” features a laid-back R&B melody with subdued vocals layered on top. I loved it on the first listen — the soft vocals, catchy beat, and overall aesthetic of the MV immediately grabbed my attention.

Although it’s nothing ground-breaking, “Easy ” is an enjoyable track that offers a pleasant blend of melodies and rhythms. “Swan Song” also utilizes an R&B beat but characterizes itself with lower, more refined vocals.

“Smart” brings diversity to the album, showcasing lively afrobeats and an addictive rhythm. This track heavily reminds me of Tyla’s hit single “ Water,” which went viral on social media in 2023, as both songs belong to the amapiano genre of music.

“Smart” undoubtedly takes the number one spot on this album for me. Its unique beats and catchy hook stand out, making it a standout track I keep coming back to. Finally, the last track, “ We got so much,” serves as a sweet conclusion to the chapter of “Easy,” wrapping up the album with heartfelt lyrics. LE SSERAFIM sings, “ We got so much love / I don’t want to take it for granted, we’re special

going to be used for, and no amount of rationalization or guilt can justify his actions. In the movie, Oppenheimr chooses to continue working on the bomb with the claim that the Russians would create the technology first and have a military advantage. However, many argue that there was no need to drop the bomb. In fact, at the end of the congressional trial, Strauss notes that Oppenheimer was fully aware of the consequences of his actions.

The movie paints Oppenheimer as a man deserving of forgiveness, as he is by his wife for having an affair. However, the movie does not merely depict a fictional narrative; it delves into real-life events.

Oppenheimer’s actions had tangible effects, and he should not be exempt from responsibility simply because the movie romanticizes his guilt.

Additionally, the movie leaves out important information about Los Alamos, the location chosen by the U.S. government for the testing of their nuclear bombs. In the movie, Oppenheimer describes the site as only hosting a boys’ school and a few Indian burial rituals.

However, in reality, several Hispanic homesteaders were living there. These farmers were forcibly displaced from their land and received little to no compensation for their lives being uprooted.

According to Reuters, the laboratory, which still sits in northern New Mexico, continues to create wealth for the area and ensures that Los Alamos County is one of the richest and most educated counties in the country. Conversely, the neighboring Rio Arriba county, with a predominantlyHispanic and indigenous population, remains among the poorest counties in the country, highlighting the country’s perpetuated wealth and opportunity inequalities. The displacement of the Hispanic and indigenous farmers continues to deprive current generations of opportunities.

When watching historical movies, we should take the time and effort to separate the artistic story from the truth. As Cillian Murphy said during his Best Actor acceptance speech, “For better or for worse, we’re all living in Oppenheimer’s world, so I would really like to dedicate this to the peacemakers everywhere.”

We cannot change the past, but we can work towards acknowledging our country’s mistakes and fighting for a better future.

… The warm embrace that I learned from you / Now I’ll give that embrace to you” (English translation), beautifully expressing their compassion and love for each other and their fans. I especially enjoy the chorus of this last track, as their voices harmonizing together create a captivating, surreal ambiance.

Overall, the album “Easy ” is a solid addition to LE SSERAFIM’s growing discography. Every track is an enjoyable listen, and they each have their own unique standout qualities that make them memorable. The future continues to look bright for LE SSERAFIM, and I have no doubt their music career will only continue to flourish as time goes on.

photo taken by valerie fu

8

March 29, 2024

that comes to most people’s minds NEGATIVE EFFECTS app when they think of social media. Other popular sites include Pinterest, DisOF SOCIAL MEcord, X (formerly Twitter), and SnapIn terms of revenue, Facebook DIA ON MODERN chat. and Instagram earn about half of the total income of all social media sites; YOUTH both are owned by Meta Platforms, un-

By Thanisha Thambidurai

Over the years, social media has become increasingly prevalent in numerous aspects of people’s lives, specifically those of young adults and teenagers.

Frankly, it’s everywhere, and nearly everyone uses it frequently throughout their days in classrooms, bathrooms, homes, public attractions, and at almost any social gathering. There is bound to be at least one person scrolling on Instagram when meeting relatives for a holiday, or someone rapidly switching tabs between YouTube and Schoology in class. Ultimately, these scenarios prompt the question: why is social media so addicting, and what effects does it have on adolescents and young adults?

Social media is defined as any online network or means used to interact, post content, or share ideas and information. Largely considered the first social media app to increase the popularity of online interactions, MySpace was launched in 2003 and reached the peak of its success in 2008; however, the app’s usage declined in the following years due to increasing competition, lack of a seamless user experience, legal battles, and a faulty website. Today, the most popular social media networks have billions of monthly active users (MAUs); according to Buffer, the top five most used social media apps are Facebook (3.05 billion MAUs), WhatsApp (2.78 billion MAUs), YouTube (2.49 billion MAUs), Instagram (2.04 billion MAUs), and WeChat (1.32 billion MAUs). Surprisingly, TikTok is not on the list, following in sixth place with 1.22 billion MAUs, despite TikTok (along with Instagram) being the

der which WhatsApp also resides. The annual revenue of Meta Platforms in 2023 was $134.902 billion, about a 16% increase from 2022 (Source: Macrotrends).

The reason for the large income from social media sites is the time people spend on these sites. Based on DataReportal, the average internet user spends about 2.5 hours a day on social media, which would equate to approximately 913 hours (a little over 38 days) yearly. A Gallup survey from October 2023 reported that 51% of teens in the United States aged 13 to 19 spend an average of 4.8 hours a day on social media. This information brings us back to one of the main questions: why is social media so compelling? What makes teens unable to put down their phones or close TikTok before they notice a few hours have passed? The answer, according to Dr. Nancy DeAngelis (CRNP and Director of Behavioral Health at Jefferson Health), has to do with levels of dopamine in the brain. She stated that social media apps “drive surges of dopamine to the brain,” in turn forcing people to come back for more, and “the shares, likes, and comments on these platforms trigger the brain’s reward center, resulting in a high similar to the one people feel when gambling or using drugs” (Source: Jefferson Health).

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects emotions of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. Essentially, once a person gets a taste of what using social media feels like, they get hooked on the feeling of short-lived happiness or amusement achieved by using it. The brain refuses to resist the rushes of dopamine and pleasure, causing a person

to fall into an addictive cycle. The longer the person continues in the cycle, the harder it will be for them to break away from the pattern of opening social media and spending hours a day on it.

Addiction to social media sites is particularly common among teenagers, mainly because adolescence is the second-largest period of growth in the human brain, preceded only by infancy. DeAngelis adds that using too much social media can lead to a child constantly seeking out immediate gratification, leading to compulsive behaviors. A survey of students from BASIS Independent Fremont sent out earlier this month asked about which social media sites students commonly use, including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, X, Pinterest, Reddit, and Discord. The form generated 38 responses with Discord, YouTube, and Instagram rounding up as the top 3 most-used social media apps. Understandably, Facebook and X are the least used social media platforms among students; 51% of Facebook users are from ages 40-59, and 55% of X/Twitter users are from ages 30-49 (Source: Sprout Social).

The high number of people using social media in the world is not reassuring, considering the range of negative side effects it’s associated with. While humans do need companionship and partners to remain happy, no amount of time spent online can replace having in-person friends. Social media can provide value because of online friends or interactions, but it cannot replace the conversations and moments shared with people in real life. One result of spending too much time on social media is body dysmorphia, a mental health condition where a person spends a large amount of time obsessing over imperfections in their outward appearance when in reality most others do not even notice these flaws. Though body dysmorphia may not be caused directly by scrolling online, it can certainly grow by looking at photos of seemingly “prettier” or “fitter” people.

On the flip side, self-absorption can develop from posting too many images and reels of oneself online. The more people who view that post, the higher the chance of the poster developing an inflated ego. Another effect of browsing online too often is Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). FOMO is described as the

fear of not taking part in what is going on online; as a result, a person may feel obliged to check their notifications all the time or respond to messages immediately, even if it gets in the way of other activities. Additionally, a person may be subjected to cyberbullying, defined as any harassment or targeting of an individual using technology. Abundant methods of cyberbullying exist, including online threats, intentionally aggressive texts, spreading someone’s personal information/photos, refusing to take down offensive posts, and rude comments that focus on a person’s religion, race, physical differences/appearances, gender, and sexual orientation (Source: Nemours Teens Health).

Lastly, the two major effects of overusing social media are depression and anxiety. Depression, considered to be a mental condition associated with loss of joy in everyday activities and decreased pleasure, can result from seeing other people’s happy moments posted online, thus leading the viewer to question why they are not as happy.

Lonely teens find themselves more susceptible to depression, likely because their only connection to the outside world would be through social media rather than genuine relationships.

Anxiety is a condition where a person experiences fear or worry over daily activities, associated with a fast heart rate, quick breathing, sweating, and tiredness. Seeing pictures of other people living their best lives may lead a person to compare their own life to the life of a person online. Anxious feelings about how one’s day or future will go can fill a person after viewing posts of outside people looking contented.

While social media can positively affect people by exposing them to new information, more often than not too much time online crushes a person’s self-esteem and distorts their idea of happiness. Self-deprecating feelings from social media are not caused by one singular post or video; they are the culmination of all the ideals and “happiest moments” an individual sees online, leading said person to doubt why their own life does not seem as wonderful. Little doubts added together, one after the other, weigh down upon a person, pushing them further into a cycle of social media addiction and dangerous comparisons between themselves and internet personas.

STAFF MEMBERS:

Editors-in-Chief: Christopher Chen, Julee Jiang, and Olivia Ma Editors: Esha Bansiya, Vera Lin, Sheil Mody, Sachit Parekh, Alicia Peng, Anjali Prabhu, Alan Xiao, and Vincent Yang Staff Writers: Aarna Kamath, Abheek Batra, Ailsa Wu, Angela Cao, Ayush Swarnakar, Emma Ma, Josh Peter, Katherine He, Kevin Weng, Krish Mangrolia, Pooja Kanthala, Pranesh Saran, Sachit Parekh, Sarah Wu, Selena Peng, Sheil Mody, Shirley Fan, Shreya Sadhwani, Shubh Bachkethi, Thanisha Thambidurai, Tycho Young, Vera Lin, Vincent Yang, Zuoyi Nick Lin

Photos by Thanisha Thambidurai

Graphic Design: Katherine He, Julee Jiang, and Olivia Ma Thank you for reading the seventh issue of the third volume of The Yellow Pages! We hope you enjoyed reading the issue as much as we enjoyed the process of creating it! If you have any comments, suggestions, questions, or notice any mistakes in our newspaper, please contact bifyellowpages@gmail.com. We will include corrections for our errors and typos in the following issue.