The Falcon's Quill; Volume 5, Issue 3

The Falcon's Quill

Local organization Justice Vanguard plans for upcoming Juneteenth festival

Eliana Tekie

Justice Vanguard will be hosting their annual Juneteenth celebration at Hillview Park on June 22.

Justice Vanguard will be hosting their annual celebration.

The festival will be celebrated with various food, music, and other activities. While the festival is for all ages and races, the Juneteenth festival is thrown to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of the emancipation of African-American slaves in the U.S.

Justice Vanguard, the organization hosting the event, has had a mission statement to “educate and empower” Black

The festival will be celebrated with various food, music, and other activities.

communities since their creation in 2020. Justice Vanguard has executed this goal by teaching educational programs for schools, creating videos on black history, and hosting community events, such as their upcoming Juneteenth festival.

Juneteenth, commonly referred to as ‘Freedom Day’ or ‘Emancipation Day,’ originated in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 Union soldiers during the Civil War brought news of the Emancipation Proclamation to the African Americans living in Galveston, effectively ending their lives as slaves and starting their lives

The Juneteenth festival is thrown to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of the emancipation of... slaves.

Courtesy of Justice Vangaurd

Editor-in-Chief

News Editor

Editorial Editor

Feature Editor

Sports Editor

Entertainment

Editor

Photographers

Eliana Tekie

Zahra Mottaghian

Anusha Shukla

Meghna Gopalakrishnan

Padrig Jan

Kyla Murphy

Mihika Bobbarjung

Meghna Gopalakrishnan

Copy Editor

Graphics

Layout&Design

Brooke Cullinane

Enzo Gleichauf

Brooke Cullinane Ada Yee

Mihika Bobbarjung

Juneteenth

From page 1

as free men and women. The day was later nicknamed “Juneteenth,” combining the date ‘nineteen’ and ‘June’.

Adviser

Diane Shepherd

Mission Statement

“The Falcon’s Quill” is a forum where Blach students in the journalism class can exercise their right to express their thoughts and opinions. 1

2. Editorials do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the journalism class, Blach School, or the Los Altos School District

“The Falcon’s Quill” strives to report news accurately and objectively, clearly distinguishing fact from opinion.

3. We vow to cover stories without discrimination toward any group. 4.

Blach

An auction to raise money for the organization can also be found at the event. Auctioned items will include signed vacation packages...and signed Steph Curry pictures.

Justice Vanguard founder Kenan Moos explained that he first started the Juneteenth celebrations because he felt he “shouldn’t have to leave his own city to celebrate Juneteenth.”

The festivals will include a variety of activities including an art show, choir, dance group, tie-dye activities, and a drum circle. There will also be performances from various singers, poets, and dancers. Both Justice Vanguard founders Kenan Moos and Kyoshi Taylor will be giving speeches

An auction to raise money for the organization can also be found at the event. Auctioned items will include signed San Jose Sharks jerseys, vacation packages, art pieces by Black Panther artist Emory Douglas, and signed Steph Curry pictures, among other things. “It’s going to be our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Moos said.

“It’s going to be our biggest fundraiser.”

Courtesy of Justice Vangaurd

NASA’s groundbreaking mission

Enzo Gleichauf

Are we alone in the universe? NASA is determined to find out.

Europa Clipper, an incredible spacecraft, was built by the company to investigate a prime candidate for life outside of Earth, a chunk of ice orbiting Jupiter named Europa.

Europa is the smallest of the four Galilean moons, the planet’s largest moons. Made almost entirely of an extremely solid brown-stained ice shell, Europa at first seems unlikely to support any form of life.

However, Europa’s proximity to Jupiter means tidal forces are constantly stretching and bending the moon. The strong friction from tons of rocks and ice sliding against each other creates immense amounts of heat, perhaps melting the lower portions of the ice, resulting in liquid water oceans of possible lifesupporting temperatures.

NASA wants to send a spacecraft to this moon. However, the spacecraft won’t be able to orbit

Orbits are very stable and the best way to follow an object around in space, but being in an orbit means objects are continuously subject to similar conditions all throughout the path.

Europa Clipper, an incredible spacecraft, was built by [NASA] to investigate... life outside of Earth.

In the case of Europa, the strong magnetic field of Jupiter clumps radiation into a donut-shaped cloud of ionizing particles. These particles can damage the spacecraft’s electronics, no matter how radiationresistant they may be. Orbiting Europa means the satellite will be fried from every direction all the time.

NASA opted for a different approach The spacecraft will

be put on atrajectory to intercept Europa 49 times on close flybys. Data can be gathered as the spacecraft swings around the moon, and once the close passes are over, the spacecraft will be a safe distance from the radiating donut that is Jupiter’s largest radiation belt.

A previous groundbreaking mission to Jupiter, the Galileo probe, may have discovered some plumes of water-based liquid drifting off the moon. Further evidence by groundbased telescopes in Hawaii have shown similar results. If this is the case, geysers are likely spewing the salty liquid ocean from inside the moon straight into orbit This is what Europa Clipper’s SUDA instrument will analyze. Other instruments will see how radio waves sent by the spacecraft respond to the internal structure of the moon, analyze infrared light to find its surface composition, and take photos. If the spacecraft does find life, it most likely will find tiny microbes or really tiny animals. It can’t be expected to find larger aliens, but it can’t be certain yet.

Europa may even have active volcanoes, slow-moving glaciers, or a wealth of organic compounds. Strange bends in its small magnetic field suggest the ocean under its thick surface may even contain salt.

This mission will arrive at Jupiter and its moons sometime in the early 2030s. It will no doubt provide a unique opportunity for gathering scientific data and might be the first spacecraft to discover life outside the Earth.

Courtesy of SpaceNews

Attack on UCLA protestors

Meghna Gopalakrishnan

An unexpected assault on UCLA’s pro-Palestine student encampment early on the morning of May second, 2024 left the community stunned, highlighting how recent protests across the US have required police intervention.

The attack came after UCLA declared the encampment “unlawful” and against school policy on the evening of Tuesday, April 30, six days after its setup. UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said the administration had allowed the peaceful protest at first, but the UCLA administration’s stance quickly changed when the pro-Palestine protestors began clashing with the opposite pro-Israeli side.

“[It] led to unsafe conditions on our campus and it damaged our ability to carry out our mission," Block stated in regards to the encampment in a written statement obtained by Reuters. "It needed to come to an end.”

The UCLA encampment represented the protests on Israel's war on Gaza, and was started by student Palestine supporters WFAA, a television station, said that protestors are calling out companies such as Boeing, General Dynamics, and Northrop, who are supplying weapons or defense technology to Israel's military.

Protestors claim these companies are guilty of profiting off the mass bloodshed occurring in Gaza, and that colleges should divest from them.

Officers took down tents and broke camp barricades.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the pro-Israeli counterdemonstrators arrived just before midnight on Wednesday May 1st, wearing white masks with black clothing.

Wood, metal, and fireworks were thrown into the camp, and many pro-Palestine protestors used pepper spray to defend themselves when the attackers attempted to get inside the camp This resulted in a chaotic series of fights.

“It led to unsafe conditions on our campus, and it damaged our ability to carry out our mission.”

“We immediately called law enforcement for mutual aid support,” said UCLA official Mary Osako on the attack. Police arrived on campus three hours after the fighting broke out, sparking criticism for their slow response.

At 1:40 A.M., before moving in to secure the encampment, police repeatedly pressed protestors to leave the area; though some attackers left, many clashes continued.

Police officers, outfitted in helmets and riot gear, used flash bangs to push through the camp, breaking lines when protesters futilely linked arms to prevent them from passing and entering the encampment. The sounds of dozens of police-fired stun grenades were heard.

Officers took down tents and broke camp barricades while demonstrators flashed bright lights in officers’ eyes, Holding umbrellas and other makeshift shields, chanting “push them back,” according to Reuters.

As the violence continued,

Courtesy of Los Angeles Daily News

leads to police intervention

students tended to each others’ injuries, such as eye irritation. No exact number of the injuries sustained is known. UC President Micheal V. Drake, in a letter to members of UCLA’s governing body, called regents, said that there were 15 people hurt, while demonstrators stated that 25 of their group were taken to hospitals. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, paramedics took a 26-year-old man with a head injury to the hospital. No deaths have been reported.

No deaths have been reported.

At around 3 A.M., police told people to leave or face arrest, pushing out remaining counter-protestors from the scene. 210 people were arrested that morning, according to the LAPD. At other universities, hundreds of arrests were made that night and on Thursday, May 2.

By daylight, the plaza was littered with items left over from the clash the previous night, and police remained on campus as the encampment remains were cleared.

The responses by UCLA in light of the attacks Thursday morning have faced criticism from multiple groups and faculty

“UCLA supports peaceful protest, but not activism that harms our ability to carry out our academic mission and makes people in our community feel bullied, threatened and afraid,” UCLA

Chancellor Gene Block wrote, adding that Jewish students especially have been in a state of stress and anxiety [LA Times]. He failed to mention how pro-Palestine students have also felt this way, an omission that angered many.

“It is quite shocking and demoralizing that the chancellor [Block] notes only the antisemitism faced by Jewish students when in fact there has been a significant number of incidents of racism and violence against Palestinians, Muslims and, in fact, anyone considered a supporter of Palestinian rights,” said Sherene Razack, a professor of gender studies at UCLA.

UCLA professor Ananya Roy voiced her concerns on the university’s late and poor response when faced with a violent counterdemonstration. “It gives people impunity to come to our campus as a rampaging mob,” she explained. “The word is out [that] they can do this repeatedly and get away with it. I am ashamed of my university.”

Courtesy of The New York Times

New abortion laws provoke a

Ada Yee

In early April, Arizona’s Supreme Court voted to reestablish a controversial law created in 1864.

A law has been passed in Florida to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

The law forbids any abortions unless the mother’s life is in absolute danger, with no exceptions for rape or incest. The Supreme Court also voted for doctors to be prosecuted and sentenced with up to five years in prison if found guilty of helping a patient abort a pregnancy. This ruling provoked a national outcry, including Republicans and former president Donald Trump, who demanded the state to silence the effects of the ban.

In addition, the reinstatement of the law set a rapid chain of events in the state’s legislature to repeal it.

Arizona’s democratic governor, Katie Hobbs, signed a bill to repeal the law. She believed that the newly reestablished law is completely outdated, stating that it is “a ban that was passed by 27 men before Arizona was even a state, at a time when America was at war over the right to own slaves, a time before women could even vote.”

In early April, Arizona’s Supreme Court voted to re-establish a controversial law created in 1864.

Soon after, the effort to repeal the law finally won legislative approval in the Senate’s 16 to 14 vote, but the repeal won’t take effect until 90 days after the legislative session ends, which is usually in the summertime.

Soon after, the effort to repeal the law finally won legistaltive approval in a ...16 to 14 vote

When the repeal takes effect, a law created in 2002 banning abortion after 15 weeks will become the state's new regulation.

When the repeal takes effect, a law created in 2002 banning abortion after 15 weeks [of pregnancy] will become the state’s new regulation.

Meanwhile, a law has been passed in Florida to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Victims of rape, incest, and human trafficking can abort up to 15 weeks if the patient has documents to prove it. Florida will also allow an abortion if the pregnancy will cause irreversible physical damage to the mother.

national outcry across the US

Before the ban, Florida was the last state in the region without any type of strict ban on abortion. More than 9,000 women traveled to Florida for easy abortion access last year, making the state a refuge for the South.

The ban cuts off abortion access for more than 21 million women of reproductive age across more than 10 states, causing mixed feelings. Many anti-abortion rights groups are celebrating the newly established law.

More than 9,000 women traveled to Florida for easy abortion access last year, making the state a refuge for the South.

Pro-life activist Abby Johnson said that the new law is "one step closer to protecting children from the moment of conception just like they deserve."

Opposers of the new law are eager for November, when Floridians will vote on a ballot measure called Amendment 4.

The ballot could protect abortion access up until 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The ballot could protect abortion access up until 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Until then, many people nationwide, both pro-choice and pro-life, all have the same anticipated question: What will the future for abortion access look like?

Pro-life activist Abby Johnson said that the new law is “one step closer to protecting children from the moment of conception just like they deserve.”

Courtesy of Politico

Would finals benefit middle schoolers?

Anusha Shukla

After taking a test, how many students still remember what they learned? How many people store away the information that is readily accessible at any moment? How many throw away all they learned minutes after turning in their final assessments?

In most cases, the latter is more relatable to students at Blach.

During the CAASPP testing in April, many test-takers were stumped when they saw questions they had no idea how to solve However, they did learn about these topics only a few months ago. In middle school, the learning system goes like this: learn a unit, take some quizzes, and then take a test on the overall unit. Once the test is over, the next unit begins, and the previous topic does not appear again.

Should middle schoolers be introduced to cumulative testing before they enter middle school?

While this may be effective in covering multiple subjects in a school year, there are many downsides to this type of pedagogical approach.

Once a unit is over, many students clear their minds of what they learned to remember new information. This method has proven time and time again to be effective for many students; since the old topics do not appear again

This is a horrible habit to have in place.

in the year, they only need to remember some of what they learned.

However, this is a horrible habit to have in place.

At this age, there are no repercussions for forgetting previous knowledge, but in high school, there may be consequences to this.

In high school, every class taken will have final exams near the end of the year. These exams, containing content from the entire year, take hours to complete.

Additionally, AP classes have a separate, optional exam called an “AP test” which can be taken as well as the final exam.

For many students, this habit of discarding old information could lead to trouble when it comes time for them to take a test.

Aarushi Shukla, a sophomore at Los Altos High School, said, “My math final was the hardest final Not because of difficult concepts, but because I had to spend a lot of time studying to make sure I remembered everything from the whole year.”

Aarushi says the hardest part of AP tests is “having to review every single concept from the whole year,” as well as practicing to “get used to the speed and time restraints”.

High schoolers who take AP tests have never been exposed

to this type of cumulative testing and have difficulty training themselves to adapt to it.

This leads to the question: is there a remedy for this? Should middle schoolers be introduced to cumulative testing before they enter middle school?

There are many benefits to being familiar with the pressure students will encounter in high school. Knowing that they need to remember the information they learn could help students be better prepared for the testing at the end of the year. Students can take measures, such as paying more attention and taking more detailed notes, to help them prepare for the finals

In preparation for high school, it might make more sense for middle schools to have finals for eighth graders only. These finals could replace CAASPP testing for the students.

There are multiple ways to remedy this problem In the end, students must remember what they learn throughout the year.

Blach scraps all writing electives

Kyla Murphy

From improved communication skills to enhanced memory, the benefits of writing and creative thinking are essential for youth to prosper

Students who aspire to be writers, poets, and authors have no more options.

However, Blach Intermediate School has overlooked the importance of writing, finalizing the removal of all writing electives indefinitely Beloved classes such as journalism, creative writing, and public speaking will all be scrapped because of a lack of participation.

It is disheartening to see such major classes with valuable lessons taken out of the Blach curriculum. Additionally, it is strange that unorthodox

classes like the Esports and photography electives, which have yet to be proven beneficial to children, get the privilege of being kept. While writing has many advantages for students’ futures, these electives have few long-term effects. E-sports and photography are more fun than actually helpful

On the other hand, there are endless perks of writing classes for young minds. Investigations have shown benefits such as decreased symptomatology and greater feelings of

l d

negotiation skills, all necessary throughout education and professional life They also help students to be creative and express themselves through their thoughts, ideas, and opinions.

Students who aspire to be writers, poets, and authors have no more options They are unable to practice what they love and are forced to participate in electives that they have no interest in. The point of having a wide variety of electives is to provide classes where students can pursue their passions

Writing electives are crucial for students.

Overall, writing electives are crucial for students because they are a passion for many and a very beneficial subject. Schools such as Blach should acknowledge the importance of writing electives and make sure that students have them as an option.

Courtesy of Meghna Gopalakrishnan

Courtesy of Meghna Gopalakrishnan

The US history curriculum must be

Brooke Cullinane and Kyla Murphy

Only 12 U.S. states require slavery to be taught at schools, and only 11 require students to learn about Native Americans.

“There have been at least 64 state laws reshaping what children can learn and do at school.”

When asked the question “Why do we need to learn about history?” the most common answer is so we don’t repeat it However, how can we know not to repeat the horrible pieces of our past if we are not being taught about them in the first place?

Only 12 U.S. states require slavery to be taught at schools.

First of all, slavery is being taught less frequently in schools today. According to The Washington Post, “There have been at least 64 state laws reshaping what

children can learn and do at school.” Many of these laws prevent indepth knowledge of America’s past with slavery. What these Americans do not realize is that it is absolutely necessary for everybody to learn about slavery, and for Americans to feel ashamed about it Slavery was a horrific time period in our nation and should be recognized for all the cruelty that it inflicted. It is crucial to learn

Slavery is being taught less frequently in schools today.

Slavery can’t be overlooked for the sake of our students and our nation’s future.

about these times because we do not want to risk anyone thinking it was acceptable. If we want our country to thrive with equality and if we want to prevent any racism, then we must teach how horrid our country once was. We must instill respect and kindness in students to provide for a better society. There have even been

laws in states such as Iowa that prevent teachers from simply saying “slavery was wrong ” This is beyond unacceptable as it is placing the image in our youth that slavery was not bad

In general, slavery is a topic that can’t be overlooked for the sake of our students and our nation’s future.

Another gruesome event in United States history that cannot be ignored is the mass genocide of Native Americans. The history curriculum in all U S schools should encapsulate the full story of how European settlers destroyed the Native American communities living in the Americas.

A Pennsylvania State University study found

Courtesy of Salon

changed so history won’t repeat itself

History will be doomed to repeat itself.

that “87 percent of content taught about Native Americans includes only pre-1900 context. And 27 states did not name an individual Native American in their history standards.”

No major leaders, key fighters, or peacemakers from

Key Native American figures should also be named, to not diminish their history.

indigenous tribes are mentioned in the curriculum in more than half of the U.S. It is a prominent issue that many states don’t require individual Native Americans to be named. If history is to teach key White figures in U.S. history, key Native American figures should also be named, to not diminish their history.

Additionally, even more states do not expand on modern-

By failing to educate students on past historical events, they cannot create change.

day tribes or what happened to the indigenous people who survived after the mass slaughter and

relocation to reservations

While some states mention Native Americans, very little information is provided past a brief mention. Presidents such as Andrew Jackson are idolized in schools Andrew Jackson was solely responsible for the slaughter of thousands and the horrific Trail of Tears, yet schools present him as an American hero without any acknowledgment of his hatefilled policies.

The massacre of Native Americans in the U.S. is a key part of history and must be taught accordingly. By failing to educate students on past historical events, they cannot create change. Change requires a level of education and knowledge, and if students do not learn all parts of history (the good and the bad), change will never happen. History will be doomed to repeat itself

Courtesy of World Atlas

Editorial

A letter to a bystander . . .

Ellie Katz

Dear Bystander,

While you stood by and did nothing, 2,031 antisemitic acts occurred in America in the span of two months. While you stood by and watched, antisemitism went up almost 337% in two years. While you stood by and ignored the issues that plague us, Jews all over the US have been experiencing physical assault and witnessing antisemitic vandalism, harassment, and rallies.

Many people in the U.S. choose to partake in antisemitic actions. Many more recognize the hate but do nothing to stop it. However, the vast majority do not even realize they are witnessing antisemitism.

The New York Times podcast episode ‘Antisemitism and Free Speech Collide on Campuses’ discusses the hearing held by the House of Representatives on campus antisemitism. The then president of the University of Pennsylvania, Elizabeth Magill, was asked, “Does calling for the genocide of Jews - killing them all because they are Jews, in other words - does that constitute bullying or harassment?” She responded that it was “contextdependent ” In what context is it ever acceptable to call for the murder of a group of people? It is 2024, yet well-educated leaders of some of the best schools in America cannot simply admit that calling for the genocide of Jews is harassment. That is antisemitism, and you and I are first-hand witnesses to it. Whether the actions of the college presidents purposely

express malice or not, by not taking action, they unwittingly presented a prime example of antisemitism by being bystanders.

As a Jewish student, I am often surrounded by people like you, people who do not realize they need to speak up. The first time I experienced antisemitism was in sixth grade, from my teacher. Immediately after a presentation on Holocaust Memorial Day, she mentioned the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. That day, no one in my class raised their hand to question our teacher's words No one asked where the connection had come from, nor did they give a second thought to the bias she shared with us. My teacher taught my class about many historical events; however, the Holocaust was the only time she chose to make a connection to current events. I was the only person who asked her to clarify this association with a foreign country. That day, you and 29 other kids were

bystanders, and you did not even realize it.

But how are you supposed to recognize antisemitism when you were never taught what it means? Our school systems are

2,031 antisemitic acts occurred in America in the span of two months.

failing us, and as a result, the Jewish minority of Americans are experiencing the highest ratio of religious hate crimes in our country. Make a change, stop being a bystander, and demand an education that teaches everyone the difference between facts and opinions.

Sincerely, Your fellow student

Ellie Katz, a 22-23 journalism student, wrote this letter for the The New York Times Open Letter Contest.

Courtesy

The immense basketball pay gap

Mihika Bobbarjung

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) are professional basketball leagues in the US. Yet, a significant gap exists between the salaries of the players in both leagues. As of 2024, the average annual salary of a WNBA player is $147,145, while the average annual salary of an NBA player is $10 million. The main difference between the two leagues is that the NBA is exclusively for male players, while the WNBA is for female players.

A significant gap exists between the salaries.

The difference in pay between the two leagues is mainly due to the difference in their popularity and viewership. In 2023, the NBA had an average in-game viewership of 11.6 million people, while the WNBA had a significantly lower viewership of 728,000 people This translates into lower revenues for the WNBA, therefore affecting the salaries of the women basketball players

The bigger underlying issue is not the amount of earnings, but the percent of their total earnings NBA players make 50% of the league’s revenue, while WNBA players only make about 10% of the total revenue in their league This indicates the disproportionate distribution of revenue in the WNBA, resulting in lower salaries for its players

tcontext of both leagues. The NBA was founded in 1946 while the WNBA was founded 50 years later, in 1996. The NBA has had more time to build a profitable franchise and reliable media exposure. Additionally, the NBA had many star players in the 1980s and 1990s who helped the league become substantial, such as Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. These factors have contributed to the NBA's current status as a highly profitable league.

This difference in pay is not only unfair but also unacceptable.

Many argue that what the WNBA needs is more time to build a strong viewership and fanbase. There is hope that Iowa basketball superstar Caitlin Clark will help lift up the WNBA, similar to how Bird and Johnson did for the NBA. Clark was drafted into the WNBA, and now plays for the Indiana Fever. Clark was the

d 0 assists, and 850 rebounds in a career. She was a beloved women’s college basketball player and is being trusted to help shape the future of the WNBA

The WNBA has a long way to go to achieve pay parity with the NBA.

However, due to the WNBA’s low pay rates, Clark will only be paid $76,000 for her first year. In contrast, the average starting salary for an average NBA player is $1 million. This difference in pay is not only unfair but also unacceptable For someone as skilled as Caitlin Clark, it is disheartening to see her receive such a low salary compared to NBA players who are half as good.

The WNBA has a long way to go to achieve pay parity with the NBA. It is vital to increase the league's viewership and revenue to provide fair salaries to its players, who work just as hard as their male counterparts.

Courtesy of the Guardian

Tax choice: the system of the future

Zahra Mottaghian

d d are overlooked in U.S. federal funding. Taxes are collected by the government every year in order to support various causes, such as social security, national defense, medicare, and various other causes, yet Americans have no direct say in what their tax dollars will support.

Many Americans want their tax dollars to help the homeless or give teachers better salaries.

Most Americans don’t even know what their taxes will support. According to a recent article published by the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank that addresses political issues, about 27% of Americans don’t know how their tax money is spent. A big population of the US is oblivious to what is happening in their government.

Stated simply, Americans pay a percent of their income every year to the federal government to fund programs. The higher one’s income, the higher the tax they pay, creating a progressive tax system. For the middle class, that percentage usually ranges from 22 - 32% of their income

The tax money then goes to the Internal Revenue Service, which redistributes the money to various causes.

This is the current system in the U.S., but it must change. Americans cannot directly choose where their tax dollars

go. The political party with the most supporters has the most power and can choose for the entire population.

In 2023, the military accounted for 13% of government spending, while only about 4% was contributed towards education What if taxpayers do not want to pay for the military? Many Americans want their tax dollars to help the homeless or give teachers better salaries.

Let this generation be the trailblazers and give the power of choice back to the people.

Taxes are an integral part of any community. America was built on the ideals of democracy, yet Americans still have no choice of where their taxes go Let this generation be th t ilbl d i th

Courtesy of Phlearn

Courtesy of Duquense University

The takeover of generation alpha

Enzo Gleichauf

Recent generations have been titled as the “boomers,” the “millennials,” etc. From 2010 onwards, a new generation has been pronounced: gen alpha.

Gen alpha is the first generation to grow around the constant presence of electronic devices. They have become notorious for many side-effects of these new conditions, including negligent behavior and a disregard for authority. These common traits are some examples of the results from the generation’s turbulent history.

Several enraged teachers have taken to the Internet, complaining about children being defiant and badlybehaved, throwing things at each other, and generally thinking they’re above their teachers or peers Despite their attitude towards others, many of these kids show impaired academic abilities later on.

Additionally, instead of attempting to play with their kids and help them learn new skills, some busy parents keep their children entertained by handing them a phone.

This can cause rippling effects into the child’s mental health in the future that can only get worse

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major effect on this generation. The severely infectious nature of the disease confined most of the global population to their homes, overloaded hospitals, and took school to the digital world.

...memes are meant to be satirical and humorous...humor is changing, and some people are not ready for it.

It was difficult for many to not just be distracted by the wealth of entertainment one button away Since focusing on school while sitting at home proved to be a challenge, many younger kids missed content during that time that will continue to impact their education.

Constant exposure to entertainment also creates a lack of independent imagination and creativity skills, and their frequent

addictions to online content leads to volatile temper tantrums when their screens are taken away

Another big problem is the unregulated content that preys on this kind of addiction. The biggest example of this is Skibidi Toilet, which has gained popularity rapidly. Skibidi Toilet includes adult content, such as blood and gore

Other sources of adult content kids get exposed to are becoming a big problem as well, such as the influence of memes.

While memes are meant to be satirical and humorous, some recent ones are different, transforming into mindless trends. Humor is changing, and some people are not ready for it.

The amount of people with access to smartphones has dramatically increased. As of 2021, 38% of kids at age eight already own a smartphone. These numbers are concerning, as being able to socialize in-person is a valuable skill that gets lost with purely online interactions

Other skills are also being forgotten, such as independent imagination and creativity due to social media algorithms doing the work for viewers.

As generations keep moving along, things may get worse Effects of a computer-based childhood are pushing back the potential for this massive group of children. While many people say this generation is doomed, they may not be. Their lives, from addiction and predatory internet algorithms to global pandemics and missing spots of education, have just been difficult.

Horseback riding: a popular

Anusha Shukla

Imagine streaking across a track and having to duck and leap with a horse at amazing speeds. This is the life of an equestrian. Unbeknownst to many, horseback riding is an intense sport, requiring elite skills to master working with a mighty horse.

Horseback riding is an intense sport, requiring elite skills to master working with a mighty horse.

For many, horseback riding is more about the experience than competing.

Blach seventh-grader Ivy Berger-Morris loves the cooperation aspect of being an equestrian. “I really like the partnership between me and the horse,” she explains. Ivy has ridden horses since her grandparents first signed her up for lessons six years ago and hopes to continue riding for the rest of her life. For many, horseback riding is more about the experience than competing Ella

Andersson, an eighth-grade equestrian, says she loves how fun riding horses is, as well as the unforgettable experiences she has had throughout the years.

Courtesy of Ella Andersson

Courtesy of Ella Andersson

pastime for Blach’s students

Ella became an equestrian when she was six because of her passion for horses

A special connection between each horse and rider is a vital part of being an equestrian. Horseback riding relies on trust between the pair; it takes both to be successful.

Eighth-grader Maia Richards agrees with this sentiment, stating, “If a horse and a person don’t work well together, then the person most likely wouldn’t [continue riding with] the horse.”

A special connection between each horse and rider is a vital part of being an equestrian.

Maia started horseback riding after falling in love with during the pandemic and wants to continue throughout igh school, hopefully landing spot on a college team. Though they all have ifferent experience with orseback riding, Blach’s questrians all agree on one act: Horseback riding is arder than it looks Ivy, Ella, nd Maia all find it frustrating hat horseback riding is often ot recognized as a sport,

Ivy, Ella, and Maia all find it frustrating that horseback riding is often not recognized as a sport.

Horseback riding is a sport - a sport that requires immense practice and skill.

and that many assume the horse does all the work for the equestrian. However, equestrians firmly believe horseback riding is a sport - a sport that requires immense practice and skill.

Ella says, “It’s not just getting on a horse, and the horse just knows what to do. It’s more about the technique and how you control the horse and how it moves. Horseback riding is a sport!”

Courtesy of Ivy Berger-Morris

Courtesy of Ivy Berger-Morris

Sean Davies wins trophies and

Eliana Tekie

From competitions in Virginia to Belgium, Blach eighth-grader Sean Davies has consistently brought home countless BMX racing medals for mountain biking and road races.

Sean first started biking when he was six years old and has been “in love” with the sport ever since.

Sean ended up placing 37th out of 141 competitors in ages 9-10.

Sean first started biking when he was six years old, and has been “in love” with the sport ever since.

Sean first started biking at a Police Activities League (PAL) in Santa Clara, an activities league run by the Santa Clara police department for children of all

ages. Practices were twice a week for two hours and consisted of practicing in several different races.

From there, Sean branched out into mountain biking with his dad

Sean Davies has consistently brought home countless BMX racing medals for mountain biking and road races.

At only nine years old, he was selected to compete in an international BMX competition in HeusdenZolder, Belgium.

“The competition was a great experience because I had never raced against people from a different country. Everyone was really nice and supportive even though there was a language barrier,” he said. Sean ended

Courtesy of Sean Davies

Courtesy of Sean Davies

medals in cycling competitions

Sean placed first out of 25 other bikers in his age group.

At twelve, Sean went to Virginia for a time trial competition, a solo race where competitors attempt to complete a given course the fastest. Sean placed first out of 25 other bikers in his age group. He then placed third in a road race, which is a longer race with more hills and a rougher terrain.

At only nine years old, he was selected to compete in an international BMX competition in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium.

Sean credits his father as his biggest inspiration and guide.

Despite his numerous medals and hours of constant work, Sean credits his father as his biggest inspiration and guide. He said, “My dad has supported me and helped me the whole way through [He] has even gone to such lengths as to build my bikes from scratch, so [I] can get the best parts.”

Courtesy of Sean Davies

Courtesy of Sean Davies

Features

After 17 years, beloved teacher Mrs.

Journalism Staff

“I would say always try your best. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Reach high and achieve your goals Don’t lose sight of your passions and have an open mind.” After teaching eighth grade English at Blach for 17 years, Mrs Diane Shepherd will move to Egan Junior High to teach English full-time, leaving behind her beloved writing and public speaking electives.

Mrs. Shepherd was born in San Jose but moved to Morgan Hill when she was eight, where she attended Britton Middle School and Live Oak High School. As a child, Mrs Shepherd was active in sports. She swam for the Morgan Hill Swim Club, Gilroy Gators, and San Jose Aquatics

Nature and the outdoors played a big role in Mrs. Shepherd's childhood. “We went camping a lot,” she recalled. Once in Yosemite, she and her brother “thought it would be funny to play a joke on [her] mom” by giving her mother a cup with a small snake they found in the Merced River. “She was terrified,” Mrs Shepherd laughed.

Another favorite childhood pastime of Mrs. Shepherd’s was bike riding She would ride her bike up and down the dirt mounds in her childhood San Jose neighborhood. She would often pedal down through the creek nearby and get halfway up the other side before realizing that her bike was starting to slip back “I never made it all the way up.”

Throughout high school, Mrs. Shepherd experimented with possible career paths but struggled with deciding which job to pursue. She had previously taken journalism classes in junior high and

“loved” interviewing her teachers and classmates

During her senior year of high school, she had a “light bulb moment”: she wanted to become a journalist

Mrs. Shepherd asked the journalism teacher if it was possible to join the class, and he consented She enjoyed writing features and sports articles, as well as designing the sports pages for her high school newspaper until she graduated.

She enjoyed writing features and sports articles, as well as designing the sports pages for her high school newspaper until she graduated.

After teaching eighth grade English at Blach for 17 years, Mrs. Diane Shepherd will move to Egan Junior High to teach English full-time

Mrs. Shepherd attended San Diego State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She simultaneously interned for two magazines, San Diego This Week and San Diego Bride & Groom, both published by K&K Publications.

While Mrs. Shepherd studied abroad in Florence, Italy during her junior year of college, she had more time to contemplate her life and career decisions.

Courtesy of Mihika Bobbarjung

Shepherd bids her farewell to Blach

While sitting on a hillside and reading a book, she reflected on her early education. She remembered her teachers standing in front of the classroom and lecturing as well as not being taught how to write or how to structure an essay Her teachers never provided any structures or examples. Mrs. Shepherd said, “I didn’t know when to start a new paragraph ”

This was the moment Mrs. Shepherd had an epiphany: She wanted to be an English teacher. Mrs Shepherd joined a student teaching program for two semesters, experiencing both middle and high school environments from the perspective of a student teacher. At first, Mrs. Shepherd thought she would be a high school English teacher, but after experiencing the enthusiasm and energy in the sixth and eighth grade English classes, she knew she belonged in a middle school. It was the junior high students who gave her the most enthusiasm to be a teacher. Mrs. Shepherd said the students were “energetic and wanted to learn.”

Mrs. Shepherd’s first teaching job was at Egan Junior High in 1994 where she taught 7th grade. After working there for 12 years, she decided to take a year-long leave of absence to focus on her family after the birth of her first daughter in 2006.

When Mrs. Shepherd returned to work the following year, her position at Egan was no longer available.

She remembered ... not being taught how to write or how to structure an essay.

“When you take a leave of absence, you are guaranteed a position in the district, not at the same school,” she explained. She instead received a teaching position at Blach in 2007.

Over a decade and a half later, Mrs. Shepherd says that she enjoyed her time at Blach, where she has been able to apply her skills and knowledge to help students achieve their full potential.

“I love seeing students learn and when it all makes sense to them. I’m so proud to see their writing improve,” she said.

Outside of school, Mrs. Shepherd loves to spend time outdoors. She enjoys doing triathlons, which include swimming, biking, and running, and she is planning on participating in a triathlon later this year.

It was the junior high students who gave her the most enthusiasm to be a teacher.

Mrs. Shepherd also loves to paint and work with oil pastels. She was living in Palo Alto when she first found a weekly oil painting class at Palo Alto High School. She spent three hours each week painting in the class. According to her, the time went by very quickly. “I would just get lost in it,” she recalled. “Class would be over and I would be like, ‘What? Three hours?’ ”

Many of the paintings inside her classroom were created during that class. Mrs. Shepherd still loves to paint nature scenes during school break and summer vacation.

Determined to make her

classes more interesting and interactive than her own middle and high school class experiences, Mrs Shepherd puts an impressive amount of effort

“I love seeing students learn and when it all makes sense to them.

I’m so proud to see their writing improve,” she says.

into all her classes She tries to get her students “out of their seats” by incorporating various grammar activities that involve moving around the classroom, assigning more art-based activities, and creating book clubs for reading units.

“I want [my students] to improve their writing and critical thinking skills. [I want them] to be open to reading more literature.”

Now, Mrs. Shepherd enters a new chapter in her life as she says goodbye to Blach. “[Blach] feels like my second home,” she said. “I’m sad. I’m really sad.”

Mrs. Shepherd will sorely miss the spark of joy she found in creative writing, public speaking, and journalism. Above all, she will miss the respectful, vibrant community at Blach.

“I love working with my students,” Mrs. Shepherd said. “I get excited when those ideas click. I love seeing students learn. Seeing their writing improve makes me so happy and proud of them.”

Mrs. Shepherd, though reluctant to leave the school she loves so much, said she is thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of her students. “I want [students] to feel more confident in their skills [and] to become lifelong learners. I hope I inspire my students.”

Lunchtime events: What has

Zahra Mottaghian and Ada Yee

Throughout the school year, Blach’s leadership class has held many fun lunch activities, including the Barbie fashion walk, water balloon toss, a gingerbread house decorating competition, and more These exciting challenges are all due to the hard work of leadership students. What have they been up to lately?

The “mute, blind, deaf” challenge, suggested by Blach’s Peer Tutors, was held on May 3rd The challenge was created to help raise awareness and spread empathy for those with disabilities.

The winning advisory of the challenge was Señor Lopez’s class

As the participants experienced what it is like for some students with disabilities, by having one of their senses taken away.

The objective of the challenge was to gather objects around the quad, with three students per homeroom participating.

One student was blindfolded and instructed on where the item was to pick up Another student would be instructing the first student on where to go using only hand signals they received. Finally, the last student told the blindfolded student where to go based on the hand movements they conveyed.

The “mute, blind, deaf” challenge, suggested by Blach’s Peer Tutors, was held on May 3rd. The challenge was created to help raise awareness and spread empathy for those with disabilities.

The winning advisory of the challenge was Señor Lopez’s class, second place was awarded to Mrs Kane’s advisory, third place was won by Mr. Dewberry’s students.

Students paid one dollar per water balloon to throw at teachers sitting on the stage.

Overall, many found the event interesting and entertaining, but some said that they would’ve appreciated a quieter setting and wished that cheaters were given penalties. Another lunch activity held on May tenth was a water balloon toss. Students paid one dollar per water balloon to throw at teachers sitting on the stage. A massive crowd of students circled the quad, wanting to see their favorite teachers get splashed on a hot day. In total, the water balloon toss raised about 200 dollars.

Courtesy of Meghna Gopalakrishnan

Leadership been planning?

Blach has created many entertaining lunch time activities this year.

The idea originated from the fundraising compartment in the leadership elective to fund the next afterschool event.

A cheesy joke competition soon after took two students from each homeroom who chose one student to perform a joke for the judges.

In first place was Señor Lopez’s advisory, following up their win from the “mute, blind, deaf” challenge!.

In second place was a fourway tie between Mr. Maye’s, Mr Kane’s, Mrs Greenbaum’s and Mr. Molskness’s advisories. A joke by Mr. Maye’s contestant Wei Yang was

In first place was Señor Lopez’s advisory, following up their win from the “mute, blind, deaf” challenge!.

“What do you call a sleeping bull?” A bulldozer!”

Overall, thanks to Leadership and the generous amount of help from teachers, Blach has created many entertaining lunch time activities this year. Leadership student, Anya Zenooz commented, “I think it’s [Fun Fridays] a really creative thing only Blach does ”

Courtesy of Mihika Bobbarjung

Will the United States continue to

Mihika Bobbarjung

The Summer Olympics is one of the most admired and celebrated sporting events in the world, and the 2024 Paris edition promises to be no exception. A symbol of global unity and the pursuit of excellence, the Olympics is scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11. Two hundred and six teams from different countries compete in a variety of sports, including swimming, gymnastics, basketball, and many others

Two hundred and six teams from different countries compete in a variety of sports

Courtesy of Essentially Sports

One of the most successful countries in the Olympics is the United States, which has won a total of 2,629 medals at the Summer Games, 1,061 of them being gold.

With 18 first-place finishes, the American team leads in the largest number of triumphs, followed by the Soviet Union with six first-place victories. The United States has become the team to beat in the Olympics, and the country's athletes are expected to perform well once again in Paris.

According to Gracenote's model, which is a statistical model that forecasts how teams will do based on their previous performance in events and games, American sprinters Christian Coleman and Noah Lyes are predicted to win the 100-meter and 200meter dashes, respectively. In addition, the United States gymnastics team is expected to take gold, as. well as both the women's and men's basketball teams.

With 18 firstplace finishes, the American team leads in the largest number of triumphs

prevail in the Summer Olympics?

The U.S. invests heavily in sports programs and facilities providing athletes with access to top-notch training facilities and equipment.

The topic of the United States dominance in the Olympics is an important one, and there are several factors that contribute to this phenomenon. One of the most significant factors is the country's large population, which is the third largest in the world This offers the United States a vast pool of potential athletes to choose from and train, giving them an advantage over countries with smaller populations. Additionally, the U.S. invests heavily in sports programs and facilities providing athletes with access to top-notch training facilities and equipment.

This offers the United States a vast pool of potential athletes to choose from and train

The country also has a culture that values and prioritizes athletics and encourages young people to participate in sports from a young age, especially. in schools.

Your paragraph text

Courtesy of Town & Country Magazine

Bay FC starts their inaugural season, demolishes records

Padrig Jan

In a full-capacity home opener at PayPal Park, 18,000 people crammed into the stadium to see Bay FC, the new women’s soccer team in the Bay Area, play Houston Dash in the first ever Bay FC home game.

The game, ending in a 3-2 loss, broke the record for the most attended game in the Bay Area for women’s sports.

Bay FC has also broken the record for the highest transfer fee in women’s soccer. Rachael Kundananji,

8,000 people crammed into the stadium to see Bay FC, the new women’s soccer team in the Bay Area

was bought for 860,000 dollars from Madrid CFF.

Coached by Albertin Montoya, Bay FC was founded by Brandi Chastain, a former World cup winner, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton, and Aly Wagner.

Rachael Kundananji, from Zambia, was bought for 860,000 dollars from Madrid CFF.

The team consists of 26 players from eight countries including the US, Mexico, Scotland, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Canada and Venezuela.

The team consists of 26 players from eight countries

Bay FC had a strong defense with Kayla Sharples, already with two goals, and Emily Menges, a rock at the back Also in the back is Caprice Dysdasco, a veteran who has played over 150 games in the NWSL.

At the front, there is Deyna Castellanos who has two goals, along with Rachael Kundananji also with two goals.

Joining them is a worldfamous player for Nigeria, Asisat Oshoala. Oshoala played in the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and helped Nigeria advance into the Round of 16

Some players play on their international teams, such as Jen Beattie from Scotland, Deyna Catellanos from Venezuela, Princess from Ghana, Asisat Oshoala from Nigeria and Lysianne Proulx from Canada

Bay FC may have only won two games, but it’s early in the season and playoffs are still up for grabs.

The game, ending in a 3-2 loss, broke the record for the most attended game in the Bay Area for women’s sports.

Courtesy of Axios

Blach triumphs in the first away meet at Crittenden

Anusha Shukla

Blach’s track and field season has been off to a strong start, with a record of 2-1 after their first three track meets Despite the extra challenge of it being a dual meet between Crittenden and Columbia, Blach’s athletes dominated the events

The eighth-grade girls’ division did exceptionally well, earning first place overall in nearly every event

Blach won the meet with 266 points, about 120 points more than Crittenden

“It was inspirational to watch our school do so well,” says Izelle Bhatnagar, Blach eighth-grader. Izelle competes in long jump, triple jump, shot put, and the mile She enjoys “spending time with her friends, while also doing something productive” whenever she comes to practices and meets for track and field. Izelle received second place in the triple jump, jumping an impressive 27’5.5” during the Crittenden meet

Similarly, Colin Ching, 8th grade shot putter and sprinter, likes “the good energy coming from my teammates.” Colin felt confident that Blach would continue to do well at the meet. Colin contributed 12 points to the eighth-grade boys’ 76-34 lead during the meet.

Others, however, felt uneasy “I was scared [of losing],” says Daren Frei, seventh-grade sprinter, high jumper, and discus thrower Daren, despite his misgivings, performed very well at his events. He earned second place in the high jump and the 400m dash, and won first in discus, throwing a staggering 87’1”.

Your paragraph text

Natalie Stavrakos, a seventhgrader who participates in the long and triple jump as well as sprinting events shares her experience at Crittenden. “I was really mad because we got disqualified in the relay. But I also felt really good because in long jump I got my [personal record].” Despite being disqualified due to handing off the baton before the passing lane, many Blach athletes including Natalie achieved their personal bests. Natalie jumped 13’4'' in long jump and earned third place for the evening.

Mrs. Kjar, who assisted at all

events during the meet, was glad to see so many students break their records at Crittenden. “I like watching their excitement,” she said Blach won the meet with 266 points, about 120 points more than Crittenden, who came in second place over Columbia. This terrific win will carry Blach’s athletes’ confidence as they continue to perform their best throughout the remainder of the season.

The eighth-grade girls’ division did exceptionally well, earning first place overall in nearly every event.

Courtesy of Anusha Shukla

Netflix’s Avatar The Last Airbender:

Meghna Gopalakrishnan

After M. Night Shyamalan’s widely hated flop of a liveaction adaptation movie, The Last Airbender, fans of Nickelodeon’s Avatar The Last Airbender waited in earnest to see how Netflix’s version of the 2005 hit would compare

According to TeenVogue, Netflix said that their liveaction ATLA was the Top English TV Show on Netflix, gaining 41.1 million views in only 11 days. The show was also Netflix’s Top 10 in 92 countries, topping at #1 in 72 of those.

The plot focuses around Aang, a 12-year-old boy who is the latest Avatar, the keeper of peace and balance between the four elements and nations, as well as the only airbender still alive. In the original animated show, he and his friends battle the Fire Nation, gain and lose allies, and grow as people on their quest to restore balance to the world

Netflix said that their live-action ATLA was the Top English TV Show on Netflix

Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar The Last Airbender condensed the first season all the way from 20 episodes into 8 episodes, each ranging from 47 to 63 minutes long.

From a viewer standpoint, the live-action version seems more serious, shining a brighter light on the suffering and death compared to the lighthearted banter and adventures in the original.

Instead of beginning with Aang’s break-from-theiceberg moment, the first episode begins 100 years ago, in the time of Fire Lord Sozin, ruler of the Fire Nation. An Earth Kingdom spy attempts to escape the violent Fire Nation after uncovering disturbing news, but fails A traitor is being burned alive, and the viewers hear his screams even after the scene has faded.

In Zuko’s (Dallas Liu) flashback to his Agni Kai, for the first time viewers get a clear picture of the cruelty he suffered. His father, Fire Lord Ozai, stares into Zuko’s eyes as he burns and permanently damages Zuko’s left eye and face.

These key flashbacks remain because the producers focused so much on getting the main story arc out. As a result, many of the less important scenes and storylines were completely cut from the show. All the small moments where characters bonded, intimate emotions

were shared, and times where relationships were deepened, disappeared

This meant that when impactful, emotional scenes came, such as Katara's heartfelt “I need you” near the end of the last episode, the characters’ stories weren’t developed enough for the audience to understand the significance.

The show’s flat script played a key part in this as well. It was not that the actors themselves were unskilled, in fact, many of the cast have impressive repertoires However, a lot of the dialogue and scripts were dull, with the writers trying to ensure the audience understood what was happening instead of letting the powerful images do the talking

Aang’s “I have to save my friends” monologue in episode five was a moment that could have been a turning point in his self-confidence, but came across as borderline cringey. You can see every nuance in the human face, compared to

Courtesy of Superhero Hype

How does it compare to the original?

animation where there is more control over which emotion is portrayed.

Other than this, Aang, portrayed by Gordon Cormier, is very similar to the original in his appearance, as well as his goofy, yet occasionally serious personality. Kiawentiio, the actress who plays Katara, did a decent job, though due to the significant age gap between the two, the romance that comes up later in the animated series might be hard to pull off here. Contrarily, Ian Ousley fit well into the role of Sokka, Katara's brother, though I wish there was more of his comedy Azula, Zuko’s sister and the second heir to the throne, played by Elizabeth Yu, is portrayed differently than the original. In Netflix’s adaptation, Azula seems softer and less menacing, instead portraying a more cunning character. When she bends lightning for the first time, only then does her fierce, rebellious side come through, though still much more subdued than her openly hostile animated counterpart. Though the casting and

scripts are primarily negative tinged, without a doubt the CGI effects for element bending and settings did their job Waterbending literally seemed as if liquid was flowing through the air, while the sheer strength and destructiveness of firebending was on full display. Seeing massive chunks of dirt and earth levitating was surreal, though airbending left much to the imagination and was quite underwhelming. Generally, the bending fighting sequences kept me hooked, especially when Katara faced off against waterbending Master Paku Liquid water, sleet, snow, and ice were all utilized, creating a multi layered effect.

The locations were stunning as well, with the crew using a mixture of reallife locations and green screen to create jaw-dropping scenes. The crowded yet detailed city of Omashu, with soaring tracks for their delivery system, and Agna Q’ela’s sprawling buildings built into the glacier, was beyond impressive. The Southern Air Temple, which

was barely touched on in the first season of the animated version, is shown in its prime, with ornate temples, as well as towers perched on rocks reaching high in the sky.

From a critical standpoint, while most agree that the script and emotion was severely lacking, and the CGI did a good job, the cast’s skill is debated Like many critics, Forbes’s Paul Tassi approved of Dallas Liu as Prince Zuko, saying that he “portrays rage masking rejection expertly throughout the entire series.” The one issue he had with casting was mainly Kiawentiio as Katara “There’s nothing bad about [Kiawentiio’s] performance, but given what a cornerstone Katara is on the show, I just wasn’t getting that same energy from her,” he explains.

Aramide Tinubu, from Variety, severely denounces the show and comments on what it could’ve been. She says that “cheesy acting” and “Disney Channel-like dialogue” contributed to what might have been a “resounding epic adventure”.

From Netflix’s point of view, their show seems to be a success. On March 6, 2024, the streaming giant announced that the show has been renewed for seasons two and three. Because production for the upcoming seasons has not begun, a release date is difficult to estimate, though most say it will premier in 2026.

Though it will never live up to the greatness of Nickelodeon’s original, the Netflix adaptation of Avatar the Last Airbender has a legacy in and of itself.

A fan casting of an Indian

Anusha Shukla

What is inclusivity?

Throughout history, there have been themes of exclusion and segregation within society Exclusion has always been based on who has the most power, whether of physical force, wealth, or numbers. Only during modern times have people begun to repent for their past mistakes, leading to how the world looks today

Recently, a fan casting for the Disney movie Tangled has been facing controversy

Society has significantly improved in that aspect, but our work is not done; despite our best efforts, segregation is still relevant today.

Most

defend the casting, saying that Avantika is the perfect canidate to portray the Disney princess.

Recently, a fan casting for the Disney movie Tangled has been facing controversy specifically because it includes Indian actress Avantika starring as Rapunzel. Despite it not being a real casting, the internet has been flooded with what people have to say about this.

Most defend the casting, saying that Avantika is the perfect candidate to portray the Disney princess.

They say that women covet ‘Indian hair’ now, much as they dreamed of having Rapunzel’s long hair when they were kids. Starring an Indian woman as Rapunzel would be the perfect match, they say.

However, other people are taking a different stance on this topic. Many say that casting Avantika as Rapunzel is inaccurate to the original story and casting a blonde white woman is crucial to maintaining the authenticity of the character.

Despite it not being a real casting, the internet has been flooded with what people have to say about this.

Courtesy of Disney Wiki

Courtesy of Vogue India

Rapunzel spurs dissension

This point has been used countless times, including when Halle Bailey, an AfricanAmerican actress, played Ariel in the Little Mermaid movie released in the summer of 2023. It was also prominent in the backlash against the liveaction Snow White movie starring Rachel Zegler, whose family is from Colombia; its release has been delayed to 2025.

The main problem most people have with changing the races of Disney characters has less to do with accuracy, and more with Disney itself

People feel that Disney, to be more inclusive, has started to replace the white princesses

Courtesy of IMDb and Reddit

with women of color. Some think Disney should not be remaking old movies and, instead, should introduce new Disney characters, with new stories for people to connect with.

Others have no problem with this; they say it shouldn’t matter what race an actor is. After all, the story will still be the same tale so many people grew up loving.

What is inclusivity?

Fan-favorite Disney princesses like Mulan, Jasmine, and Tiana were a product of this mindset, which leads people to wonder why Disney cannot continue down this path; they think this new inclusivity is ‘fake’.

Either way, the controversy surrounding Tangled’s fan casting has raised a serious question: What is inclusivity, and where does it reach an extent?

People feel that Disney, to be more inclusive, has started to replace the white princesses.

Festival season: the controversy

Brooke Cullinane

Worldwide festivals

Coachella and Stagecoach faced much debate this April with fans walking out on headlining sets, extremely long lines for showers, and No Doubt becoming rediscovered as a fan favorite.

‘90s

throwback band

No Doubt... was a massive success.

Coachella was the first major festival of 2024, taking place from April 14th to April 23rd Friday headliner Lana Del Ray captivated the crowds with her “Video Games” performance with Billie Eilish. She entered and left the stage on a motorcycle, likely a reference to her popular song “Ride”

Night two was headlined by Tyler, the Creator, who brought out notable stars A$AP Rocky and Childish Gambino; their performance was high-energy and was extremely successful

However, ‘90s throwback band No Doubt with lead singer Gwen Stefani was a massive success with fans of all ages, due to its relatable lyrics and nostalgic songs. Olivia Rodrigo came out as a surprise guest to perform “Bathwater” with the band, and No Doubt was considered one of the best shows of the weekend.

The final day of the Coachella weekend was dedicated to stars Reneé Rapp, Kesha, Bebe Rexha, and the headlining act Doja Cat.

Doja Cat played a hairinspired set,

g and boots and clothes covered in long hair-like fringe. All of her backup dancers also wore blonde hair covering their outfits

Overall, Coachella was a hit this year, with many celebrities including Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton attending. However, despite its musical success, the high temperatures (reaching 101 degrees Fahrenheit) and exuberant prices did put a slight damper on the Coachella weekends, though this is to be expected.

Stagecoach created much more controversy.

However, Coachella’s “country cousin”, Stagecoach, created much more controversy. The festival stretched from Friday, April 26th to Sunday, April 28th.

Coachella was the first major festival of 2024, taking place from April 14th to April 23rd

Friday began with a surprise for fans of Lana Del Ray She reappeared at Stagecoach a week after headlining two weekends at Coachella to perform “Unchained Melodies” with Paul Cauthen.

Despite having a strong fanbase, Friday’s headliner and closer for the night, Eric Church, faced much criticism for his gospel-inspired set. After Jelly Roll fired up the crowd as an opener, Eric Church let many down by not delivering an exciting concert; in fact, Church played the entire 90-minute set from a stool in front of stained glass window props.

Courtesy of The Mercury News

of 2024 Coachella and Stagecoach

He enlisted a full gospel choir to play with him, and his upbeat melodies that so many fans love were nowhere to be seen. The majority of his songs were church covers, with covers also performed to 2Pac and Snoop Dogg songs; the few songs that were his were from his older albums and had a slower pace Some called the set “iconic”, but many stormed out.

“People literally just got up and started leaving after 15 minutes of his gospel rant.”

One festival goer told Today News, “People literally just got up and started leaving after 15 minutes of his gospel music rant. Waited over 30 min thinking it would end and he would play his own music NEVER HAPPENED!”

However, Church defended his set, saying it was “difficult” to play, and he stood by it.

Saturday was headlined by Miranda Lambert, who performed with Reba McIntyre for part of her performance Post Malone also performed on the second day of the festival, and as a

genre-bending artist, he played mostly country covers as opposed to only his original songs.

Post Malone also debuted his new collaboration with Sunday closer and rising star Morgan Wallen. Wallen’s set was not streamed, leaving many fans upset after other performances and headliners were streamed. Not only did Wallen bring out Post Malone; he also performed with Hardy.

Stagecoach and Coachella have passed again, leaving many fans satisfied, as well as many disappointed in lackluster performances. Though one thing can be certain: There will always be controversy surrounding Coachella and Stagecoach.

However, Church defended his set, saying it was “difficult” to play, and stood by it.

Courtesy of Cornucopia Events

Entertainment New movie Wonka is full of engaging characters, chocolate and laughter

Padrig Jan

On December 15th, 2023, Wonka, a prequel to the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was released in the United States. In a little over three months the film made around $630 million This incredible movie has stunned crowds around the world, even reaching a 91% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

In a little over three months the film made around $630 million.

Willy Wonka is a chocolate maker, looking to make a living in the Galorie Gourmet, similar to a mall, but for chocolate. He is inspired to make chocolate because of his mother, who made the “best chocolate in the world”, and this is why he wants to buy a store and sell chocolate in the Galorie Gourmet.

Wonka stars famous and skilled actors such as Timothee Chalamet, Hugh Grant and Olivia Colman, among others.

The villains were strong and each had a different personality.

The plot is serious but still relatable, with loss and bigotry occurring constantly during the movie.

Wonka stars famous and skilled actors.

However, there is a lot of comedy too, making it a good watch for all ages With silly candies, such as hover chocs, and ridiculousness, this movie will surely entertain.

The villains were strong and each had a different personality. For example, one villain is smart and cunning, while another wields a lot of power, though he is not smart at all. The plot made them appear as true villains instead of portraying them as morally gray.

Fan favorite OompaLoompas are also present in this movie. Hugh Grant plays “Lofty” the Oompa-Loompa, also known at first as the “Little Orange Man”, and the addition of the original Oompa-Loompa and his funny lines make this movie even stronger.

The soundtrack is especially astounding, with a classic Oompa-Loompa song and many new ones such as “A Hatful of Dreams”, the song that starts off the movie.

Overall, Wonka is a fabulous movie, and on max it’s free to watch. Remember: It’s not about the chocolate. It’s about who you share it with

The plot is serious but still relatable

Courtesy of Cedars